Similitude criteria for fluid flow in macro-porous materials

Abstract

In the present paper, the problem of a suitable modelling of porous elements at the wind tunnel scale is addressed. This works involves an experimental study based on macro-porous materials, performed on perforated plates having holes with different geometry, thickness and sizes. The objective of this paper is double fold. At first, it aims at clarifying the effect of configuration of pores (holes) on fluid flow. Secondly, it aims to present a comprehensive similitude criterion for macro-porous structures based on physical insight.