Accession Number:

AD0780424

Title:

A Numerical Model for Simulation of Oil Spreading and Transport and Its Application for Predicting Oil Slick Movement in Bays

Descriptive Note:

Final rept. 12 Apr 1972-28 Feb 1974

Corporate Author:

TETRA TECH INC PASADENA CA

Personal Author(s):

• Wang, Shen
• Hwang, Li-San

Report Date:

1974-02-01

Pagination or Media Count:

115.0

Abstract:

A computer model for simulating oil spreading and transport has been developed. The model can be used as a useful tool in providing advance information and this may guide decisions for an effective response in control and clean-up once an accidental spill occurs. The spreading motion is simulated according to the physical properties of oil and its characteristics at the air- oil-water interfaces. The transport movement is handled by superimposing the spreading with a drift motion caused by winds and tidal currents. By condisering an oil slick as a summation of many elementary patches and applying the principle of superposition, the model is capable of predicting the oil size, shape, and movement as function of time after a spill originates. Field experiments using either cardboard markers or soybeam oil to simulate a spill were conducted at the Long Beach Harbor.

Descriptors:

• *BAYS
• *OIL SPILLS
• COMPUTER PROGRAMS
• COMPUTERIZED SIMULATION
• FIELD TESTS
• MATHEMATICAL MODELS
• MOTION
• OCEAN CURRENTS
• PREDICTIONS
• TIDES
• TRANSPORT PROPERTIES
• WIND

Subject Categories:

• Civil Engineering

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE