Airflow Distribution Measurements around the Human Body Using a Thermal Manikin by Particle Image Velocimetry

Abstract

The human body is a heat source in a room. As the human body has a complex shape, it is difficult to accurately measure the airflow distribution around the human body using a conventional anemometer. This study measured the airflow distribution around a thermal manikin acting as a human body by visualization and particle image velocimetry (PIV). The thermal manikin was 1700 mm in height, and its surface temperature was set to 30˚C. The experiments were performed in the conditions when the manikin was seated on a chair. The ambient air temperature and wind velocity were experimental variables. The airflow distribution around the manikin was reported by considering the relationships between convection and ambient wind velocity. There were no differences in the airflow distribution around the manikin due to the ambient air temperature when the wind velocity in the chamber was set as 1.0 m/s. Hence, it was assumed that the ambient wind velocity was dominant in this condition. Various airflow distributions were formed around the manikin due to the difference between the body surface temperature and the ambient air temperature in the case where the wind velocity in the chamber was set to approximately equal to 0.0 m/s.

Experimental and numerical study on the thermal plumes of a standing and lying human in an operating room

“…PIV is a non-intrusive measurement technique that allows the user, based on a flow visualization, to determine the velocity field of a fluid around a body or in a free stream. This experimental method is widely acknowledged as the leading flow measurement technique, being used successfully in a number of similar studies (McNeill, Zhiqiang, and Zhai 2013;Licina 2015;Arinami et al 2017). Arinami et al (2017) has studied, using PIV technique, the thermal plume generated by a seated manikin in a room with variable air temperature.…”

“…This experimental method is widely acknowledged as the leading flow measurement technique, being used successfully in a number of similar studies (McNeill, Zhiqiang, and Zhai 2013;Licina 2015;Arinami et al 2017). Arinami et al (2017) has studied, using PIV technique, the thermal plume generated by a seated manikin in a room with variable air temperature. They varied the air velocities in the enclosure, measuring when an air current of 1 m/s flows over the manikin and when there were no air currents.…”