Finite Element Model of the Ventilation Pattern Inside an Industrial Building I: Isothermal Case

This study presents a numerical simulation of the air flow pattern in an industrial building maintaining constant temperature with multiple openings for air inlet and a chimney. The objective is to utilize a Galerkin-Uzawa finite element method (FEM) employing quadratic elements to ensure reliability and cost-effectiveness in modeling four different ventilation conditions. The methodology involves comparing the numerical results against existing finite difference predictions and experimental data to validate the simulations. The results demonstrate a noteworthy agreement between the simulation outcomes and experimental measurements, highlighting the effectiveness of the chosen method in capturing the ventilation dynamics. Additionally, this research emphasizes the importance of understanding air flow patterns during the design stage of industrial sites to enhance aeration conditions, promoting health and safety within these environments. The findings indicate that implementing computational predictions can significantly aid in optimizing building designs prior to construction, thereby facilitating more effective ventilation solutions.