LA-2569 -- Experimental and Numerical Study of Air Movement in Slot-Ventilated Enclosures

Air flow patterns were studied for rectangular enclosures ventilated by a planar jet issuing from a slotted inlet. Experiments showed that: Flow patterns are independent of Reynolds number above a threshold value (approx. 3,800); The coanda effect and attachment length of the jet are affected by inlet and outlet diameter, length of flow, and distance to the nearest wall; Some geometries result in bistable flows.

In order to explain the experiments and obtain predictive relations thereof, a numerical model was developed. Using the assumption of inviscidness, a functional relationship between vorticity and stream function was established to express the vorticity equation as a Poisson Equation, V2y = f(y).

The experimental findings and established jet theory for turbulent jets were the basis for determining the functional relations. Comparisons between experimental and numerical results showed the model can be used to predict flow patterns and velocity fields in slot-ventilated enclosures.

Citation: ASHRAE Transactions, Volume 86, Part 1, Los Angeles, California



Product Code(s): D-LA-2569