Turbulence structure on a steep hillside, application to transport of a hot plume

Flow and turbulence studies relating to the motion of a hot, potentially hazardous plume are described. The Space Shuttle launch facility at Vandenberg AFB has two flare stacks which will burn hydrogen gas at high flow rates on launch days. Because of the characteristics of the burning and the low density of hydrogen the gas can be imbedded in the local flow. Buoyancy may not become dominant for a considerable travel distance. The result could be a flame that does not rise significantly until after more than 100 feet downwind, which would be a hazard to nearby areas. The transport of ambient air parcels is determined. Two arrays of bivane anemometers were used. The results of the study allow one to easily calculate heat deposition from the hot plume for various hazard scenarios.