Characterization of Aircraft Gasper Jet Flow using Computational Fluid Dynamics Method

Abstract

Abstract The air distribution in cabins is primarily intended to provide occupant thermal comfort and maintain oxygen adequacy through common vents and personalized gaspers. Passengers are susceptible to disease transmission and infection if the correct ventilation systems are not implemented. A good understanding of gasper jet flow is needed, and the estimation of mean velocity and turbulence intensity are good indicators of mixing phenomenon. Gasper jet flow is simulated at isothermal conditions with a commercial numerical code using the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) method. Sensitivity studies are performed to observe the influence of grid topologies and turbulence models on simulation results. A Mean velocity of the gasper jet along its centerline is compared with experimental data obtained through a hot wire anemometer, and a good correlation is achieved. Further, sensitivity studies show that the gasper flow can be precisely predicted through numerical methods, and the same can be adopted for full-fledged cabin level simulations that empower simulation-based assessments of improved gasper designs.