Pressure and velocity variation in a fabric air dispersion system

Abstract

An experimental program was conducted to study pressure and velocity variations longitudinally along a fabric air dispersion system. The goal of these tests was to derive and experimentally verify a numerical model to predict these values to enhance the design of fabric air dispersion systems. Euler's method was used to solve coupled energy and mass flow equations. The resulting comparison of model predictions and experimental data agreed to within 3%. Additional analysis was performed regarding the effects of adding extra flow resistance to fabric air dispersion systems. It was determined numerically that additional flow resistance provided by an internal skeleton and/or a variable-area orifice for static pressure control increased the uniformity of axial flow for fabric air dispersion systems.