Extensive experimental data is available from previous research into the behaviour of buoyant jets released into an unstratified ambient. The experimental data has been the basis for theoretical and numerical modelling work, and currently several numerical models exist that are employed in the design of engineering structures built for the disposal of wastewater in the ocean. However there are still flow configurations with limited or no available experimental data, and hence confidence in the

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... se of the models under some circumstances is limited. These circumstances include two-dimensional trajectory flows that are discharged at oblique angles to the ambient and buoyant jet flows with three-dimensional trajectories. As part of the current project an experimental investigation is conducted into the behaviour of discharges that have either two-dimensional or three-dimensional trajectories, focussing particularly on those configurations with currently limited available experimental data. A light attenuation technique is developed for the investigation of such flows, largely because it enables the behaviour of discharges with three-dimensional trajectories to be recorded with relative ease. However, this technique provides integrated views of the flow and hence the interpretation of the integrated concentration data is aided by assumed mean cross-sectional concentration profiles. In the strongly advected region (with the exception of the weak-jet) a double-Gaussian approximation is shown to provide a reasonable representation of mean concentration profiles. In the weakly advected regions and the weak-jet region, it is well- known that a single Gaussian adequately represents the mean flow structure. A new numerical model, the Momentum Model, is developed to assist in the design and to monitor the performance of the experimental investigation. Unlike other models, the behaviour of the flow is determined by the relative magnitudes of the initial excess momentum flux, the buoyancy-generated momentum flux and the entrain [...]