Published 4 issues per year
ISSN Print: 1065-3090
ISSN Online: 1940-4336
Indexed in
INTERSECTING DUCTS: FLOW VISUALIZATION METHODS
ABSTRACT
The flow in the intersecting region of two streams inside an X-shaped flow network is complex due to combined results of the ramming phenomena and the centrifugal force induced by the flow passage geometry. In order to determine the flow mechanisms, this study applies a combination of (1) the particle tracing method to observe streamlines, (2) the string method to visualize flow oscillations downstream from the intersecting region, and (3) the bubble tracer method to measure velocity vectors with the aid of particle image processing. Both the symmetric and asymmetric flows between the two branches are investigated. The intersecting angle and flow rates are varied to determine their effects on flow behavior. Flow oscillations in the downstream branches are found to be related to vortex formation.