Bruce A. Kunkel
Published: 1975
Total Pages: 48
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Field tests were conducted with a subscale momentum/heat system, to determine the optimum heat and thrust requirements and combustor positions for a full scale thermal fog dispersal system. The site, located in Irvine, California, was laid out on a 1/6 scale. The Froude number scaling law was used to scale up to full scale. An array of 65 thermistors and 6 wind sensors was located in the target area over a simulated runway. Wind and temperature sensors were also located outside of the target area to provide background measurements during the tests. Tests were conducted at night, in clear air, during calm conditions. Both momentum and passive heat systems are evaluated in terms of heat and thrust requirements for different wind conditions. A single line momentum/heat system requires 5 to 10 times as much thrust as does a two-side-of-the-runway system. A passive system requires anywhere from 130-470 percent more heat output than does a momentum system. The appropriate system for a particular airfield can only be determined after a cost analysis has been made of the various systems and a wind study has been made of the particular airfield.