Analysis of head loss gradients using the power law description of air flow

Abstract

In mine ventilation, the head loss due to friction is usually calculated using Atkinson's equation. But only in an ideal case is this equation valid. In the present analysis a power law constitutive relation based on Atkinson's equation is introduced and a differential equation for the head loss gradient is derived. The constitutive law proposed here provides a more general description of air flow characteristics in mine ventilation.