
intervals. If the coefficients a and b are known, the airflow coefficient C and the
exponent n are calculated using:
C ¼ expðaÞ and n ¼ b ð4:11Þ
The Etheridge model in Equation 4.2 can be rewrit ten, dividing by the airflow
rate q:
p
q
¼ a þ bq ð4:12Þ
that is agai n a linear model:
y ¼ a þ bx ð4:13Þ
with
y ¼
p
q
and x ¼ q ð4:14Þ
In this case, the linear fit directly provides the coefficients a and b of the
Etheridge model.
The measurement points can also be interpreted using the inverse problem
theory (Tarantola, 1987), taking into account a priori knowledge such that the
exponent n is between 0.5 and 1. Fu
¨
rbringer et al. (1994) propose such a
method, which has the advantage of providing a clear view of the error margins
of the coefficients.
Corrections for standard conditions
Coefficients obtained from measurements that are performed under differen t
atmospheric conditions should be corrected to reduce them to standard
conditions, for example 208C and 101,300 Pa.
3.5
4.0
4.5
5.0
5.5
01234
Log(pressure difference)
log(airflow rate)
log(C)
slope n
Figure 4.4 Logarithmic plot of airflow rates and pressure differences
Note: The slope of the best-fit line is an estimate of n and its ordinate at origin is an
estimate of logðCÞ.
Airtightness 65
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