Application of a Graphical 3-D Finite Element Computer Model to Characterize and Depict Airflow Patterns in Exhausted Enclosures such as Gasboxes.
Hatfield, John* (Earth Tech Microelectronics Group)
Ody, Phillip (Earth Tech Microelectronics Group)
Funk, Rowland (Earth Tech Microelectronics Group)
A visual software based format for describing the airflow patterns in exhausted enclosures has been developed. This methodology utilizes a 3-D Finite Element computer model to provide a graphical means of depicting the airflow in exhausted enclosures. Constant velocity contour lines provide a characterization of airflow patterns in enclosures to facilitate identification of areas with inadequate ventilation. This method is based upon a similar approach used for characterizing the topographical iso-concentation curves for chemical plumes in soil and groundwater investigations. The application of this type of approach to airflow in exhausted enclosures provides a visual summary of the airflow patterns inside of the enclosure as a function of the hardware configuration present. This type of application is especially useful for systems using flammable gases or vapors because of the potential explosion or fire hazard if the gases are released in an area of low velocity airflow (dead spot) near a source of ignition. This methodology can be used to show differences in airflow patterns based upon changes in hardware configuration inside of the enclosure (e.g., changes in locations of MFC, baffles or other components in a gasbox). An example of this approach using a visual 3-D format will be presented using velocity measurement data from a gasbox.