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1 – 10 of over 1000
Article
Publication date: 1 May 2001

S.Z. Shuja and B.S. Yilbas

A laminar swirling jet impinging on to an adiabatic solid wall is investigated. The flow field is computed and entropy analysis is carried out for different flow configurations…

Abstract

A laminar swirling jet impinging on to an adiabatic solid wall is investigated. The flow field is computed and entropy analysis is carried out for different flow configurations. The numerical scheme employing a control volume approach is introduced when solving the governing equations of flow and energy. In order to examine the effect of the nozzle exit velocity profile and the swirling velocity on the flow field and entropy generation rate, six nozzle exit velocity profiles and four swirl velocities are considered. It is found that the influence of swirl velocity on the flow field is more pronounced as the velocity profile number reduces. In this case, two circulation cells are generated in the flow field. The total entropy generation increases with increasing swirl velocity for low velocity profile numbers. The Merit number improves for low swirling velocity and high velocity profile numbers.

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. 11 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0961-5539

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 November 2002

S.Z. Shuja, B.S. Yilbas and M.O. Budair

A confined laminar swirling jet is an interesting research topic due to flow and temperature fields generated in and across the jet. In the present study, a confined laminar…

Abstract

A confined laminar swirling jet is an interesting research topic due to flow and temperature fields generated in and across the jet. In the present study, a confined laminar swirling jet is studied, and flow and temperature fields are simulated numerically using a control volume approach. In order to investigate the influence of the jet exiting (exiting the nozzle and inleting to the control volume) velocity profiles on the flow and heat transfer characteristics, eight different velocity profiles are considered. To identify each velocity profile, a velocity profile number is introduced. Entropy analysis is carried out to determine the total entropy generation due to heat transfer and fluid friction. Merit number is computed for various swirling velocities and velocity profiles. It is found that swirling motion expands the jet in the radial direction and reduces the jet length in the axial direction. This, in turn, reduces the entropy generation rate and improves the Merit number. Increasing velocity profile number enhances the entropy production rate, but improves the Merit number.

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. 12 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0961-5539

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 10 July 2018

Jing Yang, Qingjuan Hu, Zhengwei Wang, Jinghuan Ding and Xianyu Jiang

For Francis turbine, the vortex flow in the draft tube plays an important role in the safe and efficient operating of hydraulic turbine. The swirling flow produced at the blade…

Abstract

Purpose

For Francis turbine, the vortex flow in the draft tube plays an important role in the safe and efficient operating of hydraulic turbine. The swirling flow produced at the blade trailing edge at off-design conditions has been proved to be the fundamental reason of the vortex flow. Exploring the swirling flow variations in the non-cavitation flow and cavitation flow field is an effective way to explain the mechanism of the complex unsteady flow in the draft tube.

Design/methodology/approach

The swirling flow in different cavitation evolution stages of varying flow rates was studied. The swirl number, which denotes the strength of the swirling flow, was chosen to systematically analyze the swirling flow changes with the cavitation evolutions. The Zwart–Gerber–Blemari cavitation model and SST turbulence model were used to simulate the two-phase cavitating flow. The finite volume method was used to discrete the equations in the unsteady flow field simulation. The Frozen Rotor Stator scheme was used to transfer the data between the rotor-stator interfaces. The inlet total pressure was set to inlet boundary condition and static pressure was set to outlet boundary condition.

Findings

The results prove that the mutual influences exist between the swirling flow and cavitation. The swirling flow was not only affected by the load but also significantly changed with the cavitation development, because the circumferential velocity decrease and axial velocity increase presented with the cavitation evolution. At the high load conditions, the system stability may improve with the decreasing swirling flow strength.

Research limitations/implications

Further experimental and simulation studies still need to verify and estimate the reasonability of the swirling flow seen as the cavitation inception signal.

Originality/value

One interesting finding is that the swirl number began to change as the inception cavitation appeared. This is meaningful for the cavitation controlling in the Francis turbine.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 35 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 January 1986

J.I. Ramos

A mathematical model has been developed to study incompressible, isothermal, turbulent, confined, swirling flows. The model solves the conservation equations of mass, momentum…

Abstract

A mathematical model has been developed to study incompressible, isothermal, turbulent, confined, swirling flows. The model solves the conservation equations of mass, momentum, and two additional equations for the turbulent kinetic energy and the rate of dissipation of turbulent kinetic energy. The numerical predictions show a recirculation zone in the form of a one‐celled toroidal vortex at the combustor centreline. High levels of turbulence characterize the recirculation zone. The length, diameter and maximum velocity of the recirculation zone first decrease and then increase as the magnitude of the outer swirl number is first decreased from counter‐swirl to zero and then increased to co‐swirl flow conditions. Counter‐swirl produces steeper velocity gradients at the inter‐jet shear layer and promotes faster mixing than co‐swirl. The numerical results also indicate that the mass of the recirculation zone first decreases and then increases as the outer swirl number is first decreased from counter‐swirl to zero and then increased to co‐swirl conditions. The diameter, maximum velocity and mass of the recirculation zone are monotonically increasing functions of the inner jet swirl number. The recirculation zone length, diameter and mass are almost independent of the Reynolds number and outer‐to‐inner jet axial velocity ratio.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 3 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

Article
Publication date: 16 December 2019

Francisco-Javier Granados-Ortiz, Joaquin Ortega-Casanova and Choi-Hong Lai

Impinging jets have been widely studied, and the addition of swirl has been found to be beneficial to heat transfer. As there is no literature on Reynolds-averaged Navier Stokes…

Abstract

Purpose

Impinging jets have been widely studied, and the addition of swirl has been found to be beneficial to heat transfer. As there is no literature on Reynolds-averaged Navier Stokes equations (RANS) nor experimental data of swirling jet flows generated by a rotating pipe, the purpose of this study is to fill such gap by providing results on the performance of this type of design.

Design/methodology/approach

As the flow has a different behaviour at different parts of the design, the same turbulent model cannot be used for the full domain. To overcome this complexity, the simulation is split into two coupled stages. This is an alternative to use the costly Reynold stress model (RSM) for the rotating pipe simulation and the SST k-ω model for the impingement.

Findings

The addition of swirl by means of a rotating pipe with a swirl intensity ranging from 0 up to 0.5 affects the velocity profiles, but has no remarkable effect on the spreading angle. The heat transfer is increased with respect to a non-swirling flow only at short nozzle-to-plate distances H/D < 6, where H is the distance and D is the diameter of the pipe. For the impinging zone, the highest average heat transfer is achieved at H/D = 5 with swirl intensity S = 0.5. This is the highest swirl studied in this work.

Research limitations/implications

High-fidelity simulations or experimental analysis may provide reliable data for higher swirl intensities, which are not covered in this work.

Practical implications

This two-step approach and the data provided is of interest to other related investigations (e.g. using arrays of jets or other surfaces than flat plates).

Originality/value

This paper is the first of its kind RANS simulation of the heat transfer from a flat plate to a swirling impinging jet flow issuing from a rotating pipe. An extensive study of these computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations has been carried out with the emphasis of splitting the large domain into two parts to facilitate the use of different turbulent models and periodic boundary conditions for the flow confined in the pipe.

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. 30 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0961-5539

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 June 1993

M.R. CASEY, L. KONG, C. TAYLOR and J.O. MEDWELL

A finite element based numerical model is employed to obtain isothermal and heat transfer predictions for the case of turbulent flow with a decaying swirl component in a…

Abstract

A finite element based numerical model is employed to obtain isothermal and heat transfer predictions for the case of turbulent flow with a decaying swirl component in a stationary circular pipe. An assessment is made on the quality of predictions based on the choice of turbulence modelling technique adopted to close the governing equations. In the present work the one‐equation, two‐equation and algebraic Reynolds stress turbulence models are employed. For the confined flow problem investigated, accurate prediction of the near‐wall conditions is essential. This is particularly the case for confined swirling flow where the variation of variables near the wall is often somewhat greater than encountered in pure axial flow. A finite element based near‐wall model is employed as an alternative to conventional techniques such as the use of the standard logarithmic functions. Of significance is the fact that flow predictions based on the use of the unidimensional finite element techniques are closer to experiment compared to the wall function based solutions for a given turbulence model. As expected, improvements in the flow predictions directly contribute to improved simulation of the thermal aspects of the problem.

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. 3 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0961-5539

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 April 2014

Onur Tuncer and Bertan Kaynaroglu

– The purpose of this paper is to assess the validity of Weller's b-ω flamelet model for practical swirl-stabilized combustion applications.

297

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the validity of Weller's b-ω flamelet model for practical swirl-stabilized combustion applications.

Design/methodology/approach

Swirl-stabilized premixed flame behavior is investigated utilizing an atmospheric combustor test rig. Swirl number of the flow is 0.74 with a cold flow Reynolds number of 19,400 based on the hydraulic diameter at the inlet pipe. Operating condition corresponds to an equivalence ratio of 0.7 at a thermal load of 20.4 kW. Reacting flow was seeded with TiO2 particles, and velocity distribution at the center plane was measured utilizing particle image velocimetry. These results serve as a validation dataset for numerical simulations. An open-source computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code library (OpenFOAM) is used for numerical computations. These unsteady Reynolds averaged Navier Stokes (RANS) computations were performed at the same load condition corresponding to experimental data. Parallel numerical simulations were carried out on 128 processor cores. To resolve turbulence, Menter's k-ω shear stress transport model was utilized; flame behavior, on the other hand, was described by Weller's b-ω flamelet model. A block-structured all-hexahedral mesh was used.

Findings

It is observed that two counter-rotating vortices in the main recirculation zone are responsible for flame stabilization. Weak secondary recirculation zones are also present at the sides above the dump plane. Flame front location was inferred from Mie scattering images. Experimental findings show that the flame anchors both on the tip of the center body and also at the rim of the outlet pipe. Numerical simulations capture the complex interactions between the flame and the turbulent flow. These results qualitatively agree with the flame structure observed experimentally.

Practical implications

Swirl-stabilized combustion systems are used in many practical applications ranging from aeroengines to land-based power generation systems. There are implications regarding the understanding of these combustion systems.

Social implications

Better understanding of combustion systems contributes to better performing turbine engines and reduced emissions with implications for the entire society.

Originality/value

The paper provides experimental insight into the application of a combustion model for a flame configuration of practical interest.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology: An International Journal, vol. 86 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0002-2667

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 April 2021

Kirubakaran V. and David Bhatt

The lean blowout (LBO) limit of the combustor is one of the important performance parameters for any gas turbine combustor design. This study aims to predict the LBO limits of an…

Abstract

Purpose

The lean blowout (LBO) limit of the combustor is one of the important performance parameters for any gas turbine combustor design. This study aims to predict the LBO limits of an in-house designed swirl stabilized 3kW can-type micro gas turbine combustor.

Design/methodology/approach

The experimental prediction of LBO limits was performed on 3kW swirl stabilized combustor fueled with methane for the combustor inlet velocity ranging from 1.70 m/s to 6.80 m/s. The numerical prediction of LBO limits of combustor was performed on two-dimensional axisymmetric model. The blowout limits of combustor were predicted through calculated average exit gas temperature (AEGT) method and compared with experimental predictions.

Findings

The results show that the predicted LBO equivalence ratio decreases gradually with an increase in combustor inlet velocity.

Practical implications

This LBO limits predictions will use to fix the operating boundary conditions of 3kW can-type micro gas turbine combustor. This methodology will be used in design stage as well as in the testing stage of the combustor.

Originality/value

This is a first effort to predict the LBO limits on micro gas turbine combustor through AEGT method. The maximum uncertainty in LBO limit prediction with AEGT is 6 % in comparison with experimental results.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 93 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1748-8842

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 April 2024

Shiang-Wuu Perng, Horng Wen Wu and De-An Huang

The purpose of this study is to advance turbulent thermal convection inside the constant heat-flux round tube inserted by multiple perforated twisted tapes.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to advance turbulent thermal convection inside the constant heat-flux round tube inserted by multiple perforated twisted tapes.

Design/methodology/approach

The novel design of this study is accomplished by inserting several twisted tapes and drilling some circular perforations near the tape edge (C1, C3, C5: solid tapes; C2, C4, C6: perforated tapes). The turbulence flow appearances and thermal convective features are examined for various Reynolds numbers (8,000–14,000) using the renormalization group (RNG) κε turbulent model and Semi-Implicit Method for Pressure-Linked Equations (SIMPLE) algorithm.

Findings

The simulated outcomes reveal that inserting more perforated-twisted tapes into the heated round tube promotes turbulent thermal convection effectively. A swirling flow caused by the twisted tapes to produce the secondary flow jets between two reverse-spin tapes can combine with the main flow passing through the perforations at the outer edge to enhance the vortex flow. The primary factors are the quantity of twisted tapes and with/without perforations, as the perforation ratio remains at 2.5 in this numerical work. Weighing friction along the tube, C6 (four reverse-spin perforated-twisted tapes) brings the uppermost thermal-hydraulic performance of 1.23 under Re = 8,000.

Research limitations/implications

The constant thermo-hydraulic attributes of liquid water and the steady Newtonian fluid are research limitations for this simulated work.

Practical implications

The simulated outcomes will avail the inner-pipe design of a heat exchanger inserted by multiple perforated twisted tapes to enhance superior heat transfer.

Originality/value

These twisted tapes form tiny circular perforations along the tape edge to introduce the fluid flow through these bores and combine with the secondary flow induced between two reverse-spin tapes. This scheme enhances the swirling flow, turbulence intensity and fluid mixing to advance thermal convection since larger perforations cannot produce large jet velocity or the position of perforations is too far from the tape edge to generate a separated flow. Consequently, this work contributes a valuable cooling mechanism toward thermal engineering.

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0961-5539

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 25 February 2014

Anas Obeidat, Teis Schnipper, Kristian M. Ingvorsen, Sajjad Haider, Knud Erik Meyer, Stefan Mayer and Jens H. Walther

– The purpose of this paper is to study the effect of piston position on the in-cylinder swirling flow in a simplified model of a large two-stroke marine diesel engine.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the effect of piston position on the in-cylinder swirling flow in a simplified model of a large two-stroke marine diesel engine.

Design/methodology/approach

Large eddy simulations with four different models for the turbulent flow are used: a one-equation model, a dynamic one-equation model, a localized dynamic one-equation model and a mixed-scale model. Simulations are carried out for two different geometries corresponding to 100 and 50 percent open scavenge ports.

Findings

It is found that the mean tangential profile inside the cylinder changes qualitatively with port closure from a Lamb-Oseen vortex profile to a solid body rotation, while the axial velocity changes from a wake-like profile to a jet-like profile. The numerical results are compared with particle image velocimetry measurements, and in general, the authors find a good agreement.

Research limitations/implications

Considering the complexity of the real engine, the authors designed the engine model using the simplest configuration possible. The setup contains no moving parts, the combustion is neglected and the exhaust valve is discarded.

Originality/value

Studying the flow in a simplified engine model, the setup allows studies of fundamental aspects of swirling flow in a uniform scavenged engine. Comparing the four turbulence models, the local dynamic one-equation model is found to give the best agreement with the experimental results.

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. 24 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0961-5539

Keywords

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