Computational fluid dynamics simulations are used to model the velocity field and the transport of a passive scalar within a micro-scale chamber used to measure diffusional transport through various building materials. Comparisons of solutions obtained using a steady, laminar flow assumption with velocity measurements obtained from hot-wire anemometry show that the numerical method generally underpredicts the near surface velocity field. The results improve for higher flow rates and for carpeted test materials, modeled as a porous resistive layer. Calculations involving scalar transport within the upper chamber of the sampling device are performed for different flow rates and Schmidt numbers. The results are used to develop a model for the convective mass transfer coefficient, correlated as a function of the Reynolds and Schmidt numbers as well as the porosity of the carpet. This model is integrated into a steady-state mass transport model for predicting the diffusion of gaseous formaldehyde through various test materials. Predictions of diffusion and partition coefficients for vinyl flooring, gypsum wall board, and carpet are within the ranges of literature data. The results indicate that a perfectly mixed upper part of the sampling device is an adequate assumption.
Keywords: CFD modeling; Diffusion coefficient; Mass transfer coefficient; Material/air partition coefficient.
Published by Elsevier B.V.