Air Flow in a Neonate Incubator: Flow Visualizations, Hot-Wire Velocity Measurements and Computational Fluid Dynamics

신생아 보육기의 공기유동에 관한 유동가시화, hot-wire 속도계측 및 전산유동 해석

In the present study, flow visualizations, hot-wire velocity measurements and computational fluid dynamics were performed in order to determine complicated air flow characteristics in a neonate incubator. In this study, following conclusions can be made: (1) The flow visualization technique developed in the present study revealed an enough qualitative information for the flow field in the neonate incubator. Flow structures in a neonate incubator with a realistic three-dimensional shape was successfully visualized the present study. (2) Results from the flow visualization were relatively in good agreements with those obtained from the computational fluid dynamics. (3) Velocities very near the neonate measured by the hot-wire anemometer were relevant to those obtained from the computational fluid dynamics. (4) Temperatures were higher at the neck region and the medial aspect of both thighs, but lower in both extremities. (5) Small vortices between the neonate and the mattress might interfere with convective and evaporative heat transfers on the neonate's surface. In the fluid dynamic aspect, it is important to eliminate the formation of these small vortices for the design of incubator chamber.