Response of ventilation dampers to large airflow pulses

The results of an experiment program to evaluate the response of ventilation system dampers to simulated tornado transients are reported. Relevant data, such as damper response time, flow rate and pressure drop, and flow/pressure vs blade angle, were obtained, and the response of one tornado protective damper to simulated tornado transients was evaluated. Empirical relationships that will allow the data to be integrated into flow dynamics codes were developed. These flow dynamics codes can be used by safety analysts to predict the response of nuclear facility ventilation systems to tornado depressurization. 3 refs., 21 figs., 6 tabs.