Flow in bent pipes
Abstract
The aerodynamic characteristics of a bent pipe were studied in an effort to improve the performance of high pressure gas turbines and to increase the reliability of the bent sections with regards to erosion/corrosion. Classic measurements of pressure distribution and energy dissipation were obtained using a water anemometer. Normal bends, laminar bends, elliptic bends, vaned bends, and bends with variable curvature were studied. Flow visualization by water injection shows that (1) the optimum medium line of the bend is circular; (2) losses are weakest when the straight line section remains constant upstream and downstream of the bend; and (3) losses are very weak when the chosen straight line section is elliptic. According to the complexity of the circuit it can be of interest either to maintain elliptical pipes, or to supply the circuit with a transformation part, permitting return to a circular straight line section.
- Publication:
-
Final Report Centre Technique des Industries Mecaniques
- Pub Date:
- March 1980
- Bibcode:
- 1980ctim.rept.....P
- Keywords:
-
- Aerodynamic Characteristics;
- Bending;
- Flow Visualization;
- Pipe Flow;
- Pressure Measurement;
- Axial Flow Turbines;
- Ellipticity;
- Energy Dissipation;
- Flow Geometry;
- Laminar Flow;
- Manometers;
- Fluid Mechanics and Heat Transfer