Windscreen evaluation

[just tinkering]

Hello all,

I have been tinkering with a windscreen design and I need help figuring out how to evaluate it with respect to robustness to airflow. Right now, I can place a tea light in the center and I can not blow it out (just lungs) from the outside of the screen. I tried using a hairblower but that seems excessive. Is there a standard test or setup that people have used in the past?

Thanks for your thoughts and ideas,

Jon

[realityguy]

How about a rotating fan... that way you can check the wind from a single direction,swirlies,and multiple speeds(usually 3 to 5) all with one unit at optional distances...just a thought.That way you could also check out hole patterns(all around or one side) size of holes,amount of holes,position of holes(top to bottom),crown tops and bottoms,etc....That'll keep you busy for awhile. Make sure you use a anemometer also.

[zelph]

Hello all,
Right now, I can place a tea light in the center and I can not blow it out (just lungs) from the outside of the screen. Is there a standard test or setup that people have used in the past?

Thanks for your thoughts and ideas,

Jon

Blowing on it like you did is a good way to test. Now take it outside when there is a slight breeze. Make your setup with the tealite ans see how it reacts with the pot on the support. There is no standard that I know of.

[Knotty]

Take care not to produce a screen that's so wind resistant that it also starves the stove of oxygen. Like most things in life, it's a compromise. My goal is to always have a system that breathes properly then if the wind really kicks up you use external items to further shelter the cooking system. Like logs, a rock, your backpack, etc.

[zelph]

One thing for sure, always have plenty of holes at the base of the windscreen so the air necessary for operation comes in from the bottom, not over the top of the screen. If it has to enter over the top it causes turbulence. The turbulence will cause the flames to go way out and beyond the bottom and side of the pot. Like Knotty says, never deny your stove oxygen.