Simulating Underflow Spreading From a Shallow-Water Pipeline Disposal

摘要

A computational model for simulating a pipeline discharge underflow in shallow water is presented herein. Information on extent of initial spreading from a dredge pipeline discharge can be important for managing and sizing disposal areas and evaluating possible water quality impacts. For example, results from this model will be used by the SSFATE model to compute entrainment of disposed material into the overlying water column and subsequent plume dispersion by currents. Other far field models have been used to assess the long-term fate of material eroded from disposal mounds, requiring disposal footprint area specification. The purpose of the model presented here is to predict the extent of initial spreading or footprint, concentration, deposition thickness, etc. for a pipeline discharge. The STFATE model makes corresponding predictions for barge-disposed dredged material.