Three-dimensional model for simulating atmospheric dispersion of heavy-gases over complex terrain

To help understand heavy gas releases and simulate the resultant dispersion, we have developed a three-dimensional finite element model called FEM3 and an improved version names FEM3A for solving the time dependent conservation equations based on generalized anelastic approximation. Recent enhancements to the model to include the treatment of dispersion scenarios involving density variations much larger than the liquefied natural gas range and an advanced turbulence submodel based on the buoyancy-extended transport equations. This paper presents the main features of the present model FEM3C and numerical results from the simulations of a field-scale LNG spill experiment.