Building and EnvironmentPub Date : 2026-02-15Epub Date: 2025-12-30DOI: 10.1016/j.buildenv.2025.114186
Yujie Wu , Zhanjie Wang , Zhan Li , Angui Li
{"title":"Spatiotemporal evolution of 222Rn concentration in enclosed spaces: diffusion-decay model and experimental validation","authors":"Yujie Wu , Zhanjie Wang , Zhan Li , Angui Li","doi":"10.1016/j.buildenv.2025.114186","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.buildenv.2025.114186","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Accurate prediction of indoor <sup>222</sup>Rn concentration in enclosed spaces is essential for environmental safety and public health. This study develops a one-dimensional analytical diffusion-decay model with a closed-form solution that describes the full spatiotemporal evolution of radon in confined air. The model explicitly includes a uniform areal source, molecular diffusion and radioactive decay, while neglecting advection. The latter simplification is justified by first-principles quantum-chemistry calculations of gravitational energy differences, scaling analysis of sedimentation versus diffusion, and source-position comparison experiments. Using separation of variables, the one-dimensional diffusion-decay equation is solved in terms of the characteristic diffusion length<span><math><mrow><mi>L</mi><mo>=</mo><msqrt><mrow><mi>D</mi><mo>/</mo><mi>λ</mi></mrow></msqrt></mrow></math></span>and the dimensionless height<span><math><mrow><mi>ξ</mi><mo>=</mo><mrow><mi>H</mi><mo>/</mo><mi>L</mi></mrow></mrow></math></span>. Parameter analysis shows a linear amplification effect of source strength<span><math><mi>S</mi></math></span>, a nonlinear attenuation of top-layer concentration with increasing height<span><math><mi>H</mi></math></span>, and the central role of<span><math><mi>L</mi></math></span>in controlling vertical uniformity. Controlled sealed-chamber experiments under diffusion-dominated conditions demonstrate high predictive accuracy: steady-state vertical profiles are reproduced with a root-mean-square error of 45 Bq·m<sup>−3</sup> (1.4 - 2.7% of measurements), an overall mean relative bias of -1.0%, and R<sup>2</sup> ≈ 0.97; transient build-up is captured within about 5% deviation. A decision chart based on<span><math><mi>ξ</mi></math></span>is proposed to classify near-uniform, moderately stratified and strongly stratified regimes and to recommend monitoring heights, providing a lightweight tool for radon risk assessment and ventilation design in diffusion-dominated enclosed spaces.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9273,"journal":{"name":"Building and Environment","volume":"290 ","pages":"Article 114186"},"PeriodicalIF":7.6,"publicationDate":"2026-02-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145881632","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Building and EnvironmentPub Date : 2026-02-15Epub Date: 2025-12-19DOI: 10.1016/j.buildenv.2025.114152
Milana Trounce , Darin Anderson , Liam Bates , Seema Bhangar , Rob Bolin , Wenhao Chen , Sabrina Chwalek , Scott Frank , Jason Hartke , Kazukiyo Kumagai , Georgia Lagoudas , Erik Malmstrom , Sean McCrady , Corey Metzger , Aleksander Mikszewski , Daniel Nall , Brendan Owens , John Salas , Steve Taylor , Walt Vernon , Lidia Morawska
{"title":"Paradigm shifts in indoor air quality: Insights from the 2025 Stanford forum on sustainable and healthy buildings","authors":"Milana Trounce , Darin Anderson , Liam Bates , Seema Bhangar , Rob Bolin , Wenhao Chen , Sabrina Chwalek , Scott Frank , Jason Hartke , Kazukiyo Kumagai , Georgia Lagoudas , Erik Malmstrom , Sean McCrady , Corey Metzger , Aleksander Mikszewski , Daniel Nall , Brendan Owens , John Salas , Steve Taylor , Walt Vernon , Lidia Morawska","doi":"10.1016/j.buildenv.2025.114152","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.buildenv.2025.114152","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This paper presents insights from the 2025 Stanford Forum on Sustainable and Healthy Buildings, co-hosted by Stanford University and Queensland University of Technology. The forum convened experts across government, academia, public health, and industry to examine the feasibility of implementing indoor air quality (IAQ) performance standards aligned with energy efficiency and climate goals. Informed by the recent Science consensus article by Morawska et al. (2024), discussions focused on advancing enforceable IAQ metrics, economic and policy barriers, retrofitting challenges, and certification frameworks. A phased approach—voluntary monitoring, required reporting, and eventual compliance—was widely endorsed. Participants emphasized the need for cost-benefit framing, market incentives, and data transparency. Key outcomes included working groups dedicated to standards and policy approaches, building the economic case and market alignment, pilot projects, and education and knowledge dissemination. This paper summarizes forum findings and offers practical strategies to elevate clean indoor air as essential public health infrastructure, advancing both human and planetary health through healthier, more resilient buildings.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9273,"journal":{"name":"Building and Environment","volume":"290 ","pages":"Article 114152"},"PeriodicalIF":7.6,"publicationDate":"2026-02-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145838414","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Building and EnvironmentPub Date : 2026-02-15Epub Date: 2025-12-19DOI: 10.1016/j.buildenv.2025.114155
Mengyuan Yin, Michael C.P. Sing, Esther H.K. Yung
{"title":"Can ChatGPT-5 assess human perceptions of dynamic urban streetscape transitions? Insights from Hong Kong","authors":"Mengyuan Yin, Michael C.P. Sing, Esther H.K. Yung","doi":"10.1016/j.buildenv.2025.114155","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.buildenv.2025.114155","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Urban streetscape transitions influence emotions and perceived restorativeness, yet most studies rely on static imagery. This study investigates whether GPT-5 can approximate human perceptions of dynamic transitions, using Hong Kong as a case. We applied a three-stage methodology consisting of alignment, attribution, and interpretation to systematically compare GPT-5 with human evaluations. Four five-minute walking videos were evaluated by 200 participants on affective states using the Pleasure, Arousal, and Dominance (PAD) model, perceived restorativeness (PRS), and subjective impressions. GPT-5 received stitched video frames and performed three tasks: overall scoring, segment-based scoring with feature attribution, and short language-based explanations. Comparisons showed a moderate positive correlation between GPT-5 and human ratings (Pearson <em>r</em> = 0.44, Spearman ρ = 0.43, both <em>p</em> < 0.001). GPT-5 aligned more closely with humans on structural and physical cues (e.g., greenery and density indicators) but showed markedly lower agreement on affective and restorative dimensions. In contrast, the language-based explanations showed both overlap and divergence. Both GPT-5 and humans highlighted greenery, but their interpretations differed in other aspects: humans emphasized openness and experiential cues, whereas GPT-5 focused on signage, buildings, and traffic. The findings highlight how generative AI responds to dynamic environmental transitions, filling a gap left by static-image studies and providing a useful complement to human judgement in high-density cities.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9273,"journal":{"name":"Building and Environment","volume":"290 ","pages":"Article 114155"},"PeriodicalIF":7.6,"publicationDate":"2026-02-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145838409","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Building and EnvironmentPub Date : 2026-02-15Epub Date: 2025-12-11DOI: 10.1016/j.buildenv.2025.114127
Yitong Li , Holly Josephs , Yaocheng Wu , Gediminas Mainelis , Clinton Andrews , Jie Gong
{"title":"An air quality digital twin for real-time outdoor air quality monitoring and prediction","authors":"Yitong Li , Holly Josephs , Yaocheng Wu , Gediminas Mainelis , Clinton Andrews , Jie Gong","doi":"10.1016/j.buildenv.2025.114127","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.buildenv.2025.114127","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Respiratory health is closely tied to air quality, making it essential to measure and model air quality. Digital twins provide a powerful approach for air quality monitoring and prediction due to their ability to integrate real-time data, generate air quality predictions, and provide actionable insights. In the City of Elizabeth, New Jersey, poor air quality is driven by heavy industrial activities, dense traffic on major highways, and emissions from the nearby marine terminals and Newark Liberty International Airport. To tackle these issues, this research aimed to develop a digital twin for air quality monitoring and management for the City of Elizabeth. Using LiDAR scans of Housing Authority buildings, Building Information Models (BIM) were created to digitally represent physical structures. A network of outdoor sensors was deployed to capture real-time data on pollutants, including particulate matter (PM₂.₅) and ozone (O<sub>3</sub>). Unlike traditional physics-based air quality models that rely on complex mathematical equations and require significant computational resources, this study employed a data-driven approach. By analyzing spatial and temporal patterns in air quality data, this method efficiently generated real-time air quality predictions. Integrating these predictions into digital twins enhances our understanding of air quality dynamics and enables stakeholders to communicate complex information effectively to the public. Furthermore, residents can make informed choices to improve their living conditions, such as determining the best times to open windows, use air filtration systems, or spend time in outdoor environment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9273,"journal":{"name":"Building and Environment","volume":"290 ","pages":"Article 114127"},"PeriodicalIF":7.6,"publicationDate":"2026-02-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145838478","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Building and EnvironmentPub Date : 2026-02-15Epub Date: 2025-12-16DOI: 10.1016/j.buildenv.2025.114144
Jun Jiang, Kai Rewitz, Dirk Müller
{"title":"Data-driven modeling of single-sided bottom-hung window ventilation","authors":"Jun Jiang, Kai Rewitz, Dirk Müller","doi":"10.1016/j.buildenv.2025.114144","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.buildenv.2025.114144","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Empirical models are widely used in building design and simulation to estimate airflow rates for single-sided natural ventilation (SSV). However, these models often suffer from limited accuracy. Data-driven modeling offers a viable solution to improve model accuracies by customizing models for various practical scenarios. This study investigates the feasibility and performance of two data-driven modeling approaches for SSV: gray-box modeling (physics-informed using polynomial regressions) and black-box modeling (purely data-driven using machine learning regressions). Taking SSV through a solitary bottom-hung window as a case study, training data were acquired from a full-scale test bench via tracer gas measurements conducted over 11 days. The results indicate that both modeling approaches significantly improve accuracy compared to existing empirical models from the literature. Notably, individual models tailored for each test room generally outperform generalized models developed for all rooms. This finding highlights the importance of customizing models on-site in real-world applications. When comparing the two modeling approaches, gray-box models require lower training ratios to achieve good generalization, demonstrating higher data efficiency than black-box models. Furthermore, sensitivity analysis reveals that gray-box models are more robust and reliable during interpolation and extrapolation, making them particularly suitable for scenarios with limited data availability. Incorporating opening area corrections and selecting root mean square error (RMSE) as the objective function are crucial for achieving optimal gray-box model performance. Overall, this study highlights the potential of physics-informed gray-box data-driven modeling as an advanced strategy for enhancing SSV airflow rate estimation, providing valuable insights to guide future research.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9273,"journal":{"name":"Building and Environment","volume":"290 ","pages":"Article 114144"},"PeriodicalIF":7.6,"publicationDate":"2026-02-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145838473","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Building and EnvironmentPub Date : 2026-02-15Epub Date: 2026-01-04DOI: 10.1016/j.buildenv.2026.114205
Matheus Körbes Bracht, Ana Paula Melo, Roberto Lamberts
{"title":"Heat waves in buildings: A review of detection methods and performance assessment","authors":"Matheus Körbes Bracht, Ana Paula Melo, Roberto Lamberts","doi":"10.1016/j.buildenv.2026.114205","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.buildenv.2026.114205","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Heat waves are among the most critical climate hazards, threatening both human health and the resilience of energy systems. Despite increasing attention in recent years, research on the interaction between heat waves and building thermal performance remains heterogeneous, with varied definitions and metrics across studies. This study presents a systematic review dedicated to this topic, analyzing 93 peer-reviewed articles to identify how heat waves are defined, detected, and linked to building performance and occupant well-being. Heat wave detection methods were categorized into climatological (absolute or relative threshold definitions), commonly accepted events, and simulation based. The relative threshold definition was identified as an effective method for selecting heat waves for building performance analysis. However, recent studies using simulation-based detection methods showed that external heat waves do not necessarily coincide with periods of extreme indoor heat. Investigators recommend using comprehensive heat stress indicators for simulation-based detection in future studies, while noting that current indices generally fail to capture cumulative heat stress. Vulnerability is also unevenly addressed, with comfort models still centered on young, healthy adults. In parallel, emerging metamodels offer opportunities to reduce the computational burden of large simulation studies. Finally, results indicate that peak cooling demand can arise during heat wave events that differ from those most critical for indoor environmental quality. Close collaboration among thermal simulation experts, meteorologists, public health officials, and urban planners is needed to develop comprehensive heat wave definitions and heat warning systems tailored to local contexts.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9273,"journal":{"name":"Building and Environment","volume":"290 ","pages":"Article 114205"},"PeriodicalIF":7.6,"publicationDate":"2026-02-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145939797","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Building and EnvironmentPub Date : 2026-02-15Epub Date: 2025-12-29DOI: 10.1016/j.buildenv.2025.114188
Greta Cavaliere , Silvana Calvano , Paola Molina , Francesco Negro
{"title":"Psychophysiological responses to indoor wood use: A systematic literature review of indicators, methods, and research trends","authors":"Greta Cavaliere , Silvana Calvano , Paola Molina , Francesco Negro","doi":"10.1016/j.buildenv.2025.114188","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.buildenv.2025.114188","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Wood can significantly improve human well-being in indoor environments and enhance biophilic design. This systematic review examines studies on psychophysiological responses to wood exposure, focusing on experimental designs and measurement methods (Q1), involved participants (Q2), and types and features of wood products (Q3). A systematic literature search was conducted in Scopus and Web of Science databases following the PRISMA protocol. The search strategy combined keywords related to indoor wood-based products, well-being and interactions. Only primary research articles published in English over the last 20 years were considered. Fifty studies assessing psychophysiological responses to wood through physiological (e.g., cardiovascular, cerebral, hormonal, ocular, thermal, electrodermal, muscular, respiratory) and/or psychological (e.g., cognitive tests, questionnaires) indicators, were included. Results revealed diverse exposure modalities (visual, tactile, olfactory, multisensory) and measurement approaches. Studies predominantly involved university students (20–50 participants) and short exposure durations (1–15 mins). Both solid and engineered wood products were investigated, with attention to their colour, finishing, and thermal properties. Three main research needs emerged: extending exposure time to study long-term effects, diversifying participant demographics, especially in terms of age range, and combining questionnaires with physiological measures, to foster a broader approach. Research on psychophysiological responses to wood is a complex field that combines human and applied sciences. Through a structured overview of current methodological approaches, this review guides future interdisciplinary research across environmental psychology, design and material science. It also provides practical insights for architects and interior designers seeking to incorporate biophilic principles to improve occupant well-being.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9273,"journal":{"name":"Building and Environment","volume":"290 ","pages":"Article 114188"},"PeriodicalIF":7.6,"publicationDate":"2026-02-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145939854","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Building and EnvironmentPub Date : 2026-02-15Epub Date: 2025-12-24DOI: 10.1016/j.buildenv.2025.114166
Xin Wang , Toshiaki Hayashi , Kazuhide Ito
{"title":"Modeling the impact of humidity gradients on ammonia gas transfer in hydrous materials for energy recovery ventilation systems","authors":"Xin Wang , Toshiaki Hayashi , Kazuhide Ito","doi":"10.1016/j.buildenv.2025.114166","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.buildenv.2025.114166","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The performance of ventilation systems has a critical influence on indoor air quality, with energy recovery ventilators (ERV) playing a key role in reducing energy consumption by recovering heat and moisture from exhaust air. However, the same materials that enable efficient energy recovery can also facilitate the transfer of pollutants, particularly when humidity levels fluctuate. This study presents a newly developed mathematical model describing gas-phase transport through paper-based hydrous materials that explicitly incorporates the effects of both material water content and humidity gradients. The model combines convective transfer, solution-diffusion mechanisms, and interactive moisture–gas coupling, and was validated through laboratory experiments measuring NH₃ permeation under carefully controlled humidity conditions. Results demonstrate that increased water content markedly enhances NH₃ permeability by up to 1000 times under high humidity compared to dry states. Furthermore, humidity gradients significantly influence transfer rates; co-directional vapor flow promotes gas permeation, whereas counter-directional flow suppresses it, with the effects intensifying at higher moisture levels. The model accurately predicted gas transfer across a range of humidity conditions, providing a valuable tool for optimizing ERV systems. Performance analysis of a cross-flow total heat exchanger further demonstrated that variations in ambient humidity and airflow rates collectively influence both latent heat exchange efficiency and NH₃ transfer. The model proved to be effective in predicting interdependent behaviors under diverse operational scenarios. These insights provide a foundation for designing smarter ERV systems that maintain high energy efficiency without compromising indoor air quality, highlighting the potential of humidity control as a strategy for mitigating pollutant transfer.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9273,"journal":{"name":"Building and Environment","volume":"290 ","pages":"Article 114166"},"PeriodicalIF":7.6,"publicationDate":"2026-02-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145881574","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Building and EnvironmentPub Date : 2026-02-15Epub Date: 2025-12-15DOI: 10.1016/j.buildenv.2025.114135
Christy Vidiyanti , Surjamanto Wonorahardjo , M Donny Koerniawan
{"title":"Classroom visual fatigue indication and its determinants: Daylighting, learning media, and spatial factors","authors":"Christy Vidiyanti , Surjamanto Wonorahardjo , M Donny Koerniawan","doi":"10.1016/j.buildenv.2025.114135","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.buildenv.2025.114135","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The increasing reliance on digital learning media presents lighting challenges that can affect visual performance in classrooms. This study investigated visual fatigue in a classroom without artificial lighting by examining six daylight configurations (two window positions and three opening areas), three learning media types (non-lit, reflected-lit, and self-lit devices), and spatial factors (viewing distance and angle). Fifty university students participated in real-classroom experiments. Visual fatigue was assessed using an eye-symptom questionnaire, and the luminous environment was evaluated through illuminance and luminance measurements. Results showed that visual fatigue was significantly influenced by window position, daylight opening ratio, and their interaction with learning media. Rear-window classrooms produced higher fatigue levels than side-window classrooms, particularly with reflected-lit learning media. Low ambient illuminance and high luminance contrast between learning media and desk surfaces increased fatigue, as did frequent shifts in the field of view between near and far tasks. Regression analysis indicated significant contributions from eye illuminance, vertical wall luminance, temporal light modulation risk, and non-linear effects of viewing distance. Self-lit devices demonstrated the lowest and most stable fatigue levels under appropriate lighting (32–310 lx eye illuminance, 29–63 cd/m² vertical luminance). In contrast, reflected-lit devices consistently induced the highest fatigue due to the temporal light modulation characteristic. Non-lit devices required stronger ambient lighting to achieve acceptable clarity. These findings underscore the importance of aligning classroom lighting with the type of media and spatial design. Practical thresholds for illuminance and luminance are proposed to support healthier, more effective learning environments.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9273,"journal":{"name":"Building and Environment","volume":"290 ","pages":"Article 114135"},"PeriodicalIF":7.6,"publicationDate":"2026-02-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145799630","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Building and EnvironmentPub Date : 2026-02-15Epub Date: 2025-12-17DOI: 10.1016/j.buildenv.2025.114145
Yuming Zhang , Yang Yang , Yi Wang , Jia-ning Fan , Tongtong Zhao , Jun Gao , Qingfeng Cao , Ningbin Zhu , Yong Cui
{"title":"Diffusion of micron-sized oil droplets accompanying short-term thermal airflow with weak buoyancy in machining intervals","authors":"Yuming Zhang , Yang Yang , Yi Wang , Jia-ning Fan , Tongtong Zhao , Jun Gao , Qingfeng Cao , Ningbin Zhu , Yong Cui","doi":"10.1016/j.buildenv.2025.114145","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.buildenv.2025.114145","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Micron-sized oil droplets are frequently released during machining intervals, accompanied by short-term thermal airflow with weak buoyant. Accurately revealing the development of polluted airflow and the diffusion of oil droplets can provide more effective guidance for pollution control and personnel health protection. This study uses Large Eddy Simulation to investigate this process. The results show that the ratio of the initial buoyancy <em>F<sub>B</sub></em> to the initial inertial force <em>F<sub>I</sub></em> of the hot airflow significantly impacts the evolution of vortex structures and airflow development. Under low <em>F<sub>B</sub>/F<sub>I</sub></em> conditions (<em>F<sub>B</sub>/F<sub>I</sub></em> < 0.98), vortex formation occurs at the edges of the airflow core, and the main airflow maintains a stable \"flow mass\" structure during ascent. In contrast, under high <em>F<sub>B</sub>/F<sub>I</sub></em> conditions (<em>F<sub>B</sub>/F<sub>I</sub></em> > 29.4), asymmetric vortex formation primarily occurs in the airflow core and wake, and the airflow exhibits a \"flow ribbon\" structure. The study also found that the diffusion patterns of micron-sized oil droplets differ with <em>F<sub>B</sub>/F<sub>I</sub></em>. Low <em>F<sub>B</sub>/F<sub>I</sub></em> sources exhibit significant horizontal diffusion, with the dimensionless diffusion radius reaching 1.5 to 2 times the source equivalent radius (<em>rₛ</em>), causing a short-term high-dose exposure risk. In contrast, high <em>F<sub>B</sub>/F<sub>I</sub></em> sources result in relatively limited horizontal diffusion of the oil droplets (1.2∼1.4<em>r<sub>s</sub></em>). In the vertical direction, under low <em>F<sub>B</sub>/F<sub>I</sub></em> conditions, the oil droplets remain compact and rise steadily (within 20 s), while under high <em>F<sub>B</sub>/F<sub>I</sub></em> conditions, this time is longer, reaching 35 to 50 s. This study provides guidance for pollutant removal and personnel health protection in industrial workshops.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9273,"journal":{"name":"Building and Environment","volume":"290 ","pages":"Article 114145"},"PeriodicalIF":7.6,"publicationDate":"2026-02-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145799633","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}