Analysis and Prediction of Air Leakage Through Door Assemblies

Published

June 9, 1988

Author(s)

Daniel Gross, W L. Haberman

Abstract

A generalized relationship is presented for determining air flow rates through narrow gaps around door edges. The relationship provides values of leakage rates for steady, laminar flow through gaps over a wide range of pressure differences and eliminates approximations associated with the often inappropriate use of discharge coefficients and exponents in the flow equation. The analysis covers straight-through, single bend and double bend gaps of constant thickness, as well as connected gaps of constant thickness. Comparison of measured flow rates for installed stairwell door assemblies with those predicted by use of the relationship shows agreement within 20 percent. The volumetric flow of heated air through simple door gaps has been calculated by use of the relationship. The results show that the flow rate may increase or decrease with temperature depending on gap size and flow region.

Proceedings Title

U.S./Japan Government Cooperative Program on Natural Resources (UJNR). Fire Research and Safety. 10th Joint Panal Meeting. June 9-10, Tsukuba, Japan, 129-131 pp AND International Association for Fire Safety Sciences

Conference Dates

June 9-10, 1989

Conference Location

Tokyo

Pub Type

Conferences

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Local Download

Keywords

door assemblies, air leakage, air flow

Citation

Gross, D. and Haberman, W. (1988), Analysis and Prediction of Air Leakage Through Door Assemblies, U.S./Japan Government Cooperative Program on Natural Resources (UJNR). Fire Research and Safety. 10th Joint Panal Meeting. June 9-10, Tsukuba, Japan, 129-131 pp AND International Association for Fire Safety Sciences, Tokyo, -1, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=916635 (Accessed November 7, 2025)