CFD simulations to study the effect of ventilation rate on 220Rn concentration distribution in a test house

This study aims to apply the CFD technique for studying the effect of variations in the ventilation rate on the distribution pattern of the 220Rn concentration in a thoron test house. Experimentally measured 220Rn flux from the surfaces of the experimental test house is used as input for the CFD simulations. Ventilation rate is varied from 0.1 h−1 to 9.0 h−1 and the simulated results of velocity and 220Rn concentration profile for the entire test domain are interpreted. It is observed that the increase of ventilation rate leads to the flow induced turbulence enhancing the mixing of 220Rn in indoor air. Results of this study demonstrate the inter-play of radionuclide half-life and turbulent mixing induced transportation. Inferences are discussed in order to improve the dosimetric deductions for indoor conditions.
Source: Radiation Physics and Chemistry - Category: Physics Source Type: research