A Coupled Transport and Fate Model for Health and Environmental Effects

A coupled transport, fate and human effects model is proposed that may be used to better understand and minimize the occupational exposure encountered during the maintenance of aircraft and other associated weapons systems while improving their operational efficiency. In Phase I a Computational Fluid Dynamics-based, micro-scale transport and dispersion model will be integrated with lung deposition and diffusion models. This integrated transport, inhalation, and dose model will first be assessed and calibrated by comparison to existing in-field test data, and then demonstrated by evaluating changes in operating procedures and prevailing conditions and their effect upon health and environment. The transport and inhaled dose of hazardous chemicals generated during the maintenance of modern weapon system maintenance, such as Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and aerosolized heavy metal particulates will be modeled. A comprehensive visualization capability will be demonstrated, showing the hazard plume and danger and safety areas and their spatial relationships to the maintenance personnel. The work proposed for the Phase I directly leads to a more complete model in Phase II, where more detailed toxicology and transdermal and transmucosal exposure can be included.