Surface Air Movement: An Important Contributor to Ventilation of Isolated Subsurface Structures?

Abstract

This study reports on near-surface airspeed measured using a fast-responding thermoanemometer during an investigation of ventilation of an isolated subsurface structure induced by natural forces. Air speed changes continuously, rapidly, and unpredictably when assessed on the time base of one or two seconds. Zero, the most common air speed, occurred in almost all tests throughout the year but especially during cool and cold months. The most probable non-zero air speed, 10.7 m/min (35 ft/min), occurred in all tests. This air speed is below the level of detection by the senses. The number of zero values and the height of the peak at 10.7 m/min follow a repetitive annual cycle. Isolated subsurface structures containing manhole covers share the characteristics of Helmholtz resonators. Grazing air flow across the opening to the exterior induces rotational air flow in the airspace of a Helmholtz resonator. Rotational flow in the airspace potentially influences the exchange of the confined atmosphere with the external one. Ventilation of the airspace occurs continuously and without cost and is potentially enhanced by the unique characteristics of the Helmholtz resonator excited by surface air movement. These results have immense importance and immediate applicability to worker safety.

Keywords

• repetitive annual pattern
• confined space
• isolated subsurface structure
• near-surface airflow
• fast-response thermoanemometer
• velocity distribution