In plume theory it is generally assumed that a plume issuing from
a round source maintains a round cross section throughout. The consequences
of this hypothesis are significant; this fact should motivate
research into its validity. This paper investigates conditions and
analyzes mechanisms that cause fluid plumes to undergo systematic
deformation in their cross section. The process of deformation is
referred to as differential growth. In search of support for these
ideas some available plume experiments are investigated and some supporting
evidence is found and presented. It is argued that ambient
wind and variations in vertical buoyancy cause these effects. A
rudimentary examination of plume physics tends to support these ideas.
Approximations for these mechanisms are developed. For simplicity an
important approximation is made in characterizing the plume cross
section with an ellipse. By way of illustrating the effect of such
cross sections on plume dynamics the computer plume model of Winiarski
and Frick is adapted for differential growth. Based on the results of
these modifications of the model compared with round plume results and
compared with some plume data it is found that the modified model is
able to predict behavior the conventional theory does not predict. / Graduation date: 1977
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:ORGSU/oai:ir.library.oregonstate.edu:1957/28874 |
| Date | 18 February 1976 |
| Creators | Frick, Walter Eugen |
| Contributors | Mahrt, Larry J. |
| Source Sets | Oregon State University |
| Language | en_US |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis/Dissertation |
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