History of Agrophysics: Physical Modeling of Convective Heat Transfer in Greenhouses and Agricultural Fields

Abstract

In 1970-1980, a new scientific direction in agrophysics was started, with efforts devoted to the physical modeling of convective heat transfer in greenhouses and agricultural fields. The base of this new branch of agrophysics was created by research efforts of Igor Uskov.  Within the framework of this new branch of agrophysics several valuable scientific results have been obtained.  For example, Igor Uskov developed an aerodynamic stand for use in experimental studies which allows for the formation of temperature fields within greenhouses and across agricultural fields.  Using this equipment, it was shown for the first time that that heat is carried by ascending and descending air flows within a greenhouse under the influence of local sources of heat.  In another example of agrophysics research, heat transfer between double walls of arched greenhouses was studied. The colored shadow method for visualization of the structure of the thermal boundary layer was developed out of this effort.  Studies of heat transfer across agriculture fields has led to the heat exchange processes on the slopes being modeled.