Flow Characteristics of Curved Ducts

journal article - other

English

Curved channels are very often present in real hydraulic systems, e.g. curved diffusers of hydraulic turbines, S-shaped bulb turbines, fittings, etc. Curvature brings change of velocity profile, generation of vortices and production of hydraulic losses. Flow simulation using CFD techniques were performed to understand these phenomena. Cases ranging from single elbow to coupled elbows in shapes of U, S and right angle position were modeled for circular cross-section and Re = 30000 (based on pipe diameter and bulk velocity). Spatial development of the flow was studied and consequently it was deduced that minor losses are connected with the transformation of pressure energy into kinetic energy and vice versa. This transformation is a dissipative process and is reflected in the amount of the energy irreversibly lost. Least loss coefficient is connected with flow in U-shape elbows, biggest one with flow in S-shape elbows. Development of channel vortices was also investigated and different vortex identification criteria were tested. Finally, the extent of the flow domain influenced by presence of curvature was examined. This will be important for proper placement of mano- and flowmeters during experimental tests. Simulations were verified with experimental results presented in literature.

curvature, hydraulic loss, vortex

RUDOLF, P.; DESOVÁ, M.

2007

2. 11. 2007

ZČU Plzeň

Plzeň

1802-680X

Applied andComputational Mechanics

1

1

Czech Republic

255

265

10