On the natural displacement flow through a full-scale enclosure, and the importance of the radiative participation of the water vapour content of the ambient air

Experiments were operated to determine the thermal stratification in a full-scale enclosure with natural ventilation driven by thermal source. Results provided by various predictive techniques were compared with experimental data. The salt-bath modelling technique and related mathematical model of Linden appear to be unappropriate for this type of air flow. CFD gives realistic predictions, especially when using a complete thermal radiation model.