Numerical Mud Discharge Plume Model for Offshore Drilling Operations

摘要

The mathematical basis of the model is a unidirectional, steady, Reynolds type diffusion equation. To close the governing equation, coefficients of eddy diffusion are introduced and a hypothesis of similar mass and momentum diffusion invoked to define them. Also made is an assumption that the velocity may be replaced by its mean over the depth. The substitution facilitates separation of the original equation into two partial differential equations. One equation models the effect of lateral diffusion and is solved analytically. The other equation models the interaction of settling, longitudinal transport, and vertical diffusion and is solved numerically.