Mean velocity and turbulence fields inside a [beta] = 0. 50 orifice flowmeter
- Texas A and M Univ., College Station (United States)
The flow field inside an orifice flowmeter with a beta ratio of 0.50 operating at a Reynolds number of 91,100 has been studied using a three-color, 3-D laser Doppler anemometer system. Mean velocity measurements show large radial velocities leading into the orifice, the fluid separating from the orifice plate at the throat, the presence of a vena contracta farther downstream, flow reattachment to the pipe wall 5.3 pipe radii (R) downstream, the presence of a small upstream recirculation zone, and both a primary and secondary recirculation zone downstream of the orifice plate. The static wall pressure distribution attains a minimum pressure at 1.5R, which does not coincide with the location of the vena contracta (0.75 R). Distributions of the entire Reynolds stress tensor are presented along with calculated values of turbulence kinetic energy, turbulence kinetic energy production, vorticity, and turbulence induced accelerations. These data are analyzed to interpret the complex turbulent flow field.
- OSTI ID:
- 6357553
- Journal Information:
- AIChE Journal (American Institute of Chemical Engineers); (United States), Journal Name: AIChE Journal (American Institute of Chemical Engineers); (United States) Vol. 39:5; ISSN 0001-1541; ISSN AICEAC
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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ANEMOMETERS
DISTRIBUTION
ENERGY
ENERGY SYSTEMS
FLOW RATE
FLOW VISUALIZATION
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