Turbulence Testing for Case Airflow

[Luke122]

After thinking some more about Chewy-solo's heat issues in his case, I had an idea that might help with testing turbulence and airflow within a case.

This is just an idea, and I havent tested it myself yet, so take that for what it's worth.

Air tunnel testing for aerodymanic drag uses smoke to show turbulence.. why couldnt we do the same for turbulence testing? Before you all speak up about smoke damaging components etc, think about this..

2-3 mins of smoke (even cigarette smoke might be visible enough for this) wont leave a lasting effect on the internals of your case. If you are so concerned about it, only power up the fans in your case for this testing.

All you need to do is watch inside and see where the smoke stops flowing. That's it! That would make it very easy to spot trouble areas where heat could/will build up. No airflow = no heat removal.

Solve the problem how you will.. I'm just proposing a way to show you where troubles might be. :)

Yes, i'll test this myself in the future.

No, I'm not advocating smoking, and obviously TBCS (or me!) is not responsible for any damage caused by smoke in your case. Certainly it would be less harmful than steam or fog, so dont even try those.

[Snowman]

Just as simple would be using a fog machine. Go find one that's on sale from a Halloween supply store or simply buy one and return it (do you have morals.) And just powering the fans is a great idea.

[Luke122]

I think those fog machines still use a liquid, which has a risk of condensation. I wonder what they actually use in wind-tunnel testing?

[Snowman]

I wouldn't be worried as much about condensation as I would the compounds in the condensation. As far as a wind tunnel goes the smoke is such a pure white it seems like a salt peter and nitrogen compound (home made smoke bomb.) Most wind tunnel tests don't include exposed sensitive electronics so I am guessing their "smoke" isn't as much thought about as what we are thinking.

[.Maleficus.]

I've seen this done before, with fake smoke. This isn't a very good example since the side panel is on, but here you go.

http://www.dansdata.com/images/hx45/smoke320.jpg
http://www.dansdata.com/hx45fan.htm

I'd use old hardware (if possible) myself, but I don't think it'd be too big of an issue. Take off the side panel, tape on some clear plexi so you can see dead spots and test it out.

[b4i7]

ive seen a lot of things like this...though they were "flow straigheners"

[J-Roc]

You wont see cigarette smoke. Once it hits the fan it thins out too much.

I'm a smoker and love doing so while im on the computer. It doesnt damage anything. It'll discolour clear fans and makes dust bunnies faster than normal but thats it.

Random Tip: Pure Mr.Clean disolves smoke residue on contact, no scrubing required.