Numerical simulation of ²²²Rn profiling in an experimental chamber using CFD technique

Measurement of indoor ²²²Rn concentration and interpretation of distribution patterns are important for inhalation dosimetry in occupational and residential areas. Experimental determination of ²²²Rn concentration distribution and estimation of inhalation doses depend on the underlying aspects such as calibration of the detectors, accuracy of the techniques etc. Therefore, ²²²Rn concentration distribution needs to be very well understood in a closed domain for the controlled studies. In the recent times, Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) technique has gained a lot of attention for the prediction and visualization of indoor ²²²Rn concentration profiles and their mixing ability in the domain. The present study aims to simulate the effect of forced mixing on the ²²²Rn concentration profile in a 22 m³ experimental chamber. This chamber is designed for carrying out the controlled experiments, calibration and inter-comparison studies of various types of ²²²Rn detectors. Effect of different parameters such as time, flow rates, fan-off and fan-on conditions have been studied on the transient response, extent of the air mixing patterns and subsequently on ²²²Rn concentration profile in the chamber. Further, Non uniformity index (NUI) is introduced as a measure of the uniformity of the distribution in the closed domain. NUI is estimated for different cases in order to efficiently interpret the effect of above mentioned parameters on ²²²Rn profile in the chamber. This study will be useful to represent the turbulent conditions in real indoor domains and occupational facilities as U-mines during calibration and inter-comparison exercises of different ²²²Rn detectors.