Simulation by solutal convection of a thermal plume in a confined stratified environment: application to displacement ventilation

This paper describes the experimental study, by solutal simulation, of a th ermal plume in a confined stratified environment, a situation encountered i n displacement ventilation systems. The criteria enabling similarity to be established between the thermal plume in air and the solutal plume in a hyd raulic model are discussed. Density stratification is detected by a planar laser-induced fluorescence (PLIF) technique. Criteria for defining the inte rface height and thickness are determined After validation of these criteri a in the fully developed region of the plume in a confined stratified envir onment, a formulation of the stratification height in the region close to t he source has been established. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights r eserved.