Protecting modern technology against the forces of nature

Development and optimisation of medical ventilation apparatuses and safety equipment is of great significance. Over a period of several years, the Drägerwerk AG company commissioned FuE-Zentrum FH Kiel GmbH to carry out a project entitled "Strömungssimulation in der Medizintechnik" (Flow simulation in medical technology). In the course of this project, the laboratory for numerical mechanics at the Kiel University of Applied Sciences developed new respiratory protective equipment for firemen. Dr. Alois Peter Schaffarczyk, Professor at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, was responsible for the project for its entire duration.

The aim of the project was to control the air flow inside the respiratory protective apparatus, to eliminate condensation on the goggles. This aim was achieved and now firemen have a clear view even under the worst conditions.

The series of images shows the CAD model, the ventilation system and a simulated streamline flow pattern based on a full Navier-Stokes equation.