plenum chamber

mechanics

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July 1, 2026

Quick Summary

A plenum is a space that is entirely filled with matter. In mechanics and construction, it often refers to an air-filled space within a structure, particularly one that receives air from a blower for distribution, as in a ventilation system. This type of system, known as plenum ventilation, applies force at the inlets, driving air through rooms that then act as plenums, preventing cold drafts. The term originates from Latin, meaning "full".12

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air-cushion machine
History
Cockerell (later knighted) bypassed Thornycroft’s plenum chamber (in effect, an empty box with an open bottom) principle, in which air is pumped directly into a cavity beneath the vessel, because of the difficulty in containing the cushion. He theorized that, if air were instead pumped under the vessel through a…
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Cockerell (later knighted) bypassed Thornycroft’s plenum chamber (in effect, an empty box with an open bottom) principle, in which air is pumped directly into a cavity beneath the vessel, because of the difficulty in containing the cushion. He theorized that, if air were instead pumped under the vessel through a…
Read More