Simulations of ozone distributions in an aircraft cabin using computational fluid dynamics

Ozone is a major pollutant of indoor air. Many studies have demonstrated the adverse health effect of ozone and the byproducts generated as a result of ozone-initiated reactive chemistry in an indoor environment. This study developed a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model to predict the ozone distribution in an aircraft cabin. The model was used to simulate the distribution of ozone in an aircraft cabin mockup for the following cases: (1) empty cabin; (2) cabin with seats; (3) cabin with soiled T-shirts; (4) occupied cabin with simple human geometry; and (5) occupied cabin with detailed human geometry. The agreement was generally good between the CFD results and the available experimental data. The ozone removal rate, deposition velocity, retention ratio, and breathing zone levels were well predicted in those cases. The CFD model predicted breathing zone ozone concentration to be 77–99% of the average cabin ozone concentration depending on the seat location. The ozone concentration at the breathing zone in the cabin environment can better assess the health risk to passengers and can be used to develop strategies for a healthier cabin environment.

► A CFD model was developed to study the influence of surface reactions on the ozone distributions in an aircraft cabin.
► The CFD model showed reasonable agreement with available experimental data.
► Breathing-zone ozone concentration varies amongst passengers and ranges from 77 to 99% of the bulk air concentration.