CFD analysis evaluated hot-gas flow through a redirected test system to improve velocity uniformity across the main experimental section.
Sector
Research and development
Client
R&D centre
Flow type
Hot-gas turbulent flow
Project Snapshot
Challenge
Changes in flow direction can generate secondary motion, recirculation and uneven velocity profiles before the test section. The facility required a sufficiently uniform incoming flow to support reliable experimental measurements.
Approach
The complete flow path was simulated to identify the effects of bends, transitions and flow conditioning on the velocity distribution entering the test section.
Key Findings
- Two perforated plates with an optimized spacing improve flow uniformity while maintaining a favorable trade-off between uniformity and pressure drop.
- Flow turning generated secondary motion that persisted downstream of the directional change.
- Recirculation and velocity gradients were concentrated near transitions and changes in cross-section.
- The downstream flow became more uniform as the disturbances developed and mixed along the approach to the test section.
Deliverables
Velocity-flow assessment and design guidance for improving hot-gas uniformity in the experimental facility.
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