Three-Dimensional Buoyant Turbulent Flows in a Scaled Model, Slot-Ventilated, Livestock Confinement Facility

A three-dimensional turbulence model was used to determine the effects of animal-generated buoyant forces on the airflow patterns and temperature and airspeed distributions in a ceiling-slot, ventilated, swine grower facility. The model incorporated the Lam-Bremhorst turbulence model for low-Reynolds Number airflow typical of slot-ventilated, livestock facilities. The predicted results from the model were compared with experimental results from a scaled-enclosure. The predicted and measured results indicated a rather strong cross-stream recirculation zone in the chamber that resulted in substantial three-dimensional temperature distributions for moderate to highly buoyancy-affected flows. Airflow patterns were adequately predicted for Arc > 40 and J values < 0.00053. For Arc < 40 and J values > 0.00053, the visualized patterns indicated that the jet separated from the ceiling before the opposing end-wall. This discrepancy was attributed to variations in the experimental and numerical inlet flow development assumptions.