Validation of 3-D CFD model of tritium transport in the atmosphere

When solving 3-D problems for the atmospheric impurity transport in the bounded area, it is essential for the atmospheric dynamics to be correctly computed taking into account the actual terrain topography and environments specified by the boundary conditions. Such conditions as turbulence, convection, condensation and moisture evaporation processes, etc. are to be also taken into account as well as the interaction processes among impurities (gases, aerosols), atmosphere and the Earth's surface. 3-D computational fluid dynamics model(CFD) developed on the basis of SRP hydrodynamic code was used to simulate tritium plume evolution and tritium transport in atmosphere under the area with relatively complex topography. SRP code is based on the continuum motion equations (Navier-Stockes equations) and thermodynamic relations taking into account specific features of atmospheric flows and complex topography and is designed to use on PC-type computers. The model has been validated using experimental release of tritium with specified source term and meteorology. Due to low release height above the underlying surface a fine grid was used in the vertical direction near the underlying surface. HT and HTO/H2O vertical fluxes were taken into account. Evolution of HT and HTO activities at 2 sampling locations along the plume axe were available for model-experiment inter-comparison. The modeling results of HT and HTO activities in the air during plume travel are in satisfactory agreement with observed values.