Air flow rate thru mesh/net/screen

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the impact of mesh, screen, or net structures on airflow, particularly focusing on how different configurations (such as wire thickness and profile) affect airflow rates. Participants are interested in both theoretical and empirical insights, especially for meshes ranging from insect screens (approximately 1mm) to larger holes (about 1 inch). The inquiry stems from concerns about airflow obstruction leading to issues like moisture accumulation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks information on how mesh structures slow down airflow compared to unobstructed flow, emphasizing the need for empirical and theoretical data.
  • Another participant suggests checking the AIAA website for technical papers, indicating that empirical data is likely available.
  • A repeated inquiry highlights the difficulty in finding specific references or keywords related to airflow through mesh, suggesting a need for guidance in literature search.
  • A participant mentions that the term "flow through porous media" could yield relevant research and points to ASHRAE as a potential resource.
  • One participant offers a general guideline that smaller mesh sizes can prevent flow separation, which may reduce velocity and increase friction losses, while also noting that high velocities can cause heating of the screen.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a common interest in finding empirical data and theoretical insights, but there is no consensus on specific resources or keywords, indicating that the discussion remains unresolved regarding the best approach to gather the needed information.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention specific resources like Perry's Chemical Engineers' Handbook and the need for precise keywords, but there are no settled definitions or methodologies discussed. The conversation reflects varying levels of familiarity with literature search techniques.

rehud
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I am looking for theoretical and/or empirical information about the extent in which a mesh/screen/net made of some kind of wires is slowing down airflow thru it, comparing to air flowing around it.
At this point I am interested in meshes starting at a scale of insects screens (about 1mm) and ending at a hole scale of about 1 inch. I would like to understand to what extent making the wires thinner, using different profile or other "tricks" may improve the airflow.

The question comes from a hunch that a net with a specific height partial to a larger area in which air should flow, is slowing the airflow thru it, in a way which is problematic (getting wet).

Any references to accessible document (i.e. books, papers) would be welcome.
 
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Check the aiaa website technical paper search. Something like this will only have emperical information available. I would give you more insight into the problem but i am typing from my phone and it's a pain.
 
rehud said:
I am looking for theoretical and/or empirical information about the extent in which a mesh/screen/net made of some kind of wires is slowing down airflow thru it, comparing to air flowing around it.
At this point I am interested in meshes starting at a scale of insects screens (about 1mm) and ending at a hole scale of about 1 inch. I would like to understand to what extent making the wires thinner, using different profile or other "tricks" may improve the airflow.

The question comes from a hunch that a net with a specific height partial to a larger area in which air should flow, is slowing the airflow thru it, in a way which is problematic (getting wet).

Any references to accessible document (i.e. books, papers) would be welcome.

This should be a "handbook" item, such as Marks (ME) or Perry's (ChE), or both.
 
Thanks for the replies.

I would also expect that to be something I could easily find in some book or a certain paper, and I normally know how to find. However, I haven't been able to find this. Maybe their is some kind of specific keywords I miss - I don't know. Anyway, I would appreciate any help in finding the answers.

Thanks!
 
rehud said:
Thanks for the replies.

I would also expect that to be something I could easily find in some book or a certain paper, and I normally know how to find. However, I haven't been able to find this. Maybe their is some kind of specific keywords I miss - I don't know. Anyway, I would appreciate any help in finding the answers.

Thanks!

I already told you that you can find it in Perry's Chemical Engineers' Handbook. I was also successful in googling "pressure drop through mesh screens"

Chet
 
Also, as a general rule of thumb you want as small of mesh size as possible so the flow does not separate, thus decreasing the net velocity and increases the losses due to friction in the flow. It is interesting to note that if your velocity is high enough you will notice that the screen may get very hot.
 

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