CFD Investigation of Mevlana Museum Air Velocity Distribution

In this study, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) has been employed to inspect the air flow
distribution inside Mevlana museum which is one of the important historical places in Turkey. The
continuity, momentum and energy equations together with the k-e turbulence model have solved using
a commercial CFD package. Steady and incompressible flow assumptions have been made to simplify
the simulation and reducing the computation time. Sample of the velocity vector plots at different
distances from the ground floor of the museum showed circulation zones and vortices at some areas
indicating poor air refreshment and possible contaminant emissions. Low velocity areas are also
noticeable in some places particularly behind the pillars and any flow obstructs. The study concluded
that the natural air flow distribution can be improved by different combination of opening windows
and doors based on the wind speed and direction.