Fluid flow through macro-porous materials: friction coefficient and wind tunnel similitude criteria

Abstract

This work reports the study of airflow fluid through macro-porous materials. Several perforated plates having holes with different geometry, thickness and size were tested in a wind tunnel. The objective of this paper is double fold. At first, it aims at clarifying the effect of configuration of pores (holes) on fluid flow. Friction resistance and drag coefficients are obtained. Secondly, it has the purpose to present a comprehensive similitude criterion for macro-porous structures based on physical insight.