sensor placement

To reduce the potential risk of airborne infectious diseases during an outbreak or to detect a chemical/biological release by a terrorist, it is essential to place appropriate chemical/biological sensors in commercial airliner cabins. This investigation studied sensor responses along the length of a fully occupied twin-aisle cabin with 210 seats by using a validated Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) program. The results revealed that seating arrangements can make cross sectional airflow pattern considerably asymmetrical.

Aerosol detection in HVAC duct components is a critical component of contaminant detection and analysis. Incorrect placement of a sensor inlet within the ductwork can have a significant, deleterious effect on capture efficiency and sample accuracy. Computational fluid dynamics studies were conducted of straight rectangular cross-section ductwork and a 90° bend to determine flow patterns and simulations of particulate injections were made at various locations across the inlet. The resultant particle distributions were analyzed to determine the optimal placement for a sensor inlet.