Characterization of the Flow Field, Wind Speed Profiles and Turbulence Intensity in Environmental Wind Tunnels for Measurement of Agent Fate
Abstract
Surface evaporation and desorption sub-models in VLSTRACK require measurements of chemical warfare agent evaporation and desorption under environmental conditions. A 5cm square by approximately I meter wind tunnel for chemical agent measurements was developed with optional strakes and roughening elements to add turbulence. Flow was developed in the pull-mode by an electric blower system. Several candidate intake geometries were designed that allowed controlled restriction of air intake to control wind speed. The flow field was characterized as a function of several intake control geometries and as a function of the presence or absence of the turbulence elements. A micrometer positioning device was employed to traverse the wind tunnel cross section with a subminiature hot wire anemometer. A TSI Model IFA-300, temperature-compensated, hot wire anemometry system was utilized for all measurements. The experimental and computational fluid dynamic flow field results were documented. The tipper and lower limits of wind speed available from the electric blower and intake restriction systems were determined. The symmetry of the flow field with and without turbulence elements was also determined. The chemical droplets are placed on substrates on the floor of the wind tunnel; therefore, flow field measurements close to the floor were emphasized. Finally, the reproducibility of the wind speed was measured as a function of blower power settings and intake restrictions levels.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA449675
Entities
People
- Daniel J. Weber
- John W. Molnar
- Mary K. Scudder
Organizations
- Edgewood Chemical Biological Center