%0 Journal Article
%A Max H Sherman
%A Mark P Modera
%B Rev. Scientific Instruments
%D 1986
%G eng
%N 7
%P 1427
%T Low Frequency Measurement of the Leakage of Enclosures
%V 57
%2 LBL-20121
%8 01/1986
%X <p>A wide variety of enclosed structures either require or cannot entirely prevent leakage from their interior<br />space to the outside. Existing methods for measuring such leakage have important disadvantages. We<br />have developed a device and technique that permits leakage areas to be measured from within or without<br />the enclosure without causing unacceptable disturbance. The apparatus uses low-frequency (1 Hz) acoustic<br />monopoles to generate an internal pressure signal which is then analyzed syncronously to provide a<br />measurement of leakage area. We have successfully· applied this technique to measuring air tightness in<br />residential houses, and believe it can be easily adapted for use in field, laboratory, or classroom applications.<br />We are currently evaluating why the values we obtained were, on average, 14% lower than those<br />obtained through conventional methods and we are investigating the apparent inability of the device, as<br />presently designed, to measure large leaks.</p>