Abstract
The boundary integral equation method (BIEM) is a flexible solver for predicting three-dimensional velocity fields into local exhaust hoods. A numerical validation of a computer program based on the BIEM shows excellent agreement with an analytic model for flow into a flanged rectangular hood. Theoretical velocity contours generated for an unflanged rectangular hood compare favorably with empirical contours. Centerline velocities generated using the BIEM for both flanged and unflanged rectangular hoods are in excellent agreement with accepted empirical values. Advantages and limitations of the method are discussed and a comparison with the finite difference and the finite element method is made.