MODELING AIR-FLOW INSIDE AND AROUND HOODS USED FOR PNEUMATIC CONTROL OF PEST INSECTS .2. APPLICATION AND VALIDATION OF THE MODEL

To optimize the design of pest control machines, the airflow inside an d around blowing and suction heads of different configurations for the specific case of pneumatic control of Colorado Potato Beetles (CPBs) was numerically modeled. Such predictions of airflow patterns can help in locating the optimal zones for CPB removal for a given configurati on. Preliminary results show that two particular hood configurations ( horizontal blowing and simultaneous oblique blowing and suction) that generate different airflows across the potato plant foliage are the mo st promising. Airflow inside and around these two configurations was f urther investigated using the contour element concept. This allowed ai rflow modeling at the wall level. Evaluation of the numerical model pe rformance proved its validity and capability in adequately predicting airspeeds. Results are sufficiently accurate and detailed to serve as the first stage of the design process.