Stability of the Air Flow in a Two Aisle Cabin Model

Abstract

Mixed convection has been investigated experimentally in a mock-up representing a two-aisle cabin of a passenger aircraft mock-up at full scale. The layout and dimensions of the mock-up’s interior have been deduced from the upper deck of the Airbus A380. Large scale Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) and temperature field measurements were performed in one cross section of the cabin mock-up. With PIV the flow fields for two different air inlet configurations were measured and analysed under isothermal and cooling conditions. Furthermore the flow rates at the different air inlet positions were varied realizing a constant air exchange rate. Results of the experimental parameter study are presented demonstrating that the stability of air circulation in an aircraft cabin is affected by different physical effects. It is found that the interaction between the air jets, the influence of buoyancy forces acting on the air jets and the interaction of the air jets with thermal plumes control the air flow and temperature distribution within the cabin.