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Study on Subsonic Two-dimensional Diffuser Flows


Karanja Kibicho
Toyohiko Suzuki
Ryoji Waka

Abstract

A diffuser is a key element of many fluid machines and systems. Due to the large adverse pressure gradients at the diffuser entry, the diffuser flows become stalled and get attached to one wall for included angles above 7-9o. This is accompanied by loss in static pressure recovery. This work seeks to clarify through flow visualization methods and static pressure measurements, the flow structure within the diffuser. The study was carried out for a 500 total included angle diffuser. Static pressure measurements along the two diverging walls were carried out. Flow visualization was conducted by use of both oil flow and wool tuft methods. The experiments were carried out for four Reynolds number of 7.2 x 104, 1.62 x 105, 2.45 x 105, 2.90 x 105. The results reveal the existence of four flow zones in the stalled diffuser flows and that there is no effect on these zones due to the change in Reynolds number.

Journal of Agriculture, Science and Technology Vol.3(2) 2001: 68-83

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eISSN: 1561-7645