Modeling the forced-air cooling process of fresh strawberry packages, Part II: Experimental validation of the flow model

The aim of this study was to validate a previously developed mathematical model for predicting the airflow behavior within individual packages of strawberries (clamshells) during forced-air cooling applications. The model was validated by using a non-intrusive flow measurement technique (PIV). The use of PIV required the development of a simplified transparent system that reproduces the packaging structure of typical retail clamshells. The validation was achieved by comparing the velocity field predicted by the model within this system against experimental data. The model not only predicted the main flow features, but also the location of steep acceleration within the packed structure voids. This work shows that, assuming that the momentum transport can be decoupled from the transport of energy and mass during forced-air cooling applications, the steady-state Navier–Stokes equations can accurately predict the airflow within individual clamshells of strawberries.