Supercritical flow in circular pipe bends

Abstract

In this paper a complex flow pattern occurring in a closed conduit bend with supercritical flow is analyzed. The research was done by a scale (physical hydraulic) model, and a numerical model developed in Ansys (Fluent) program surrounding. This article compares the results obtained by numerical and physical (scale) models, providing comments and recommendations for their application. Based on these results, simple empirical relationships were developed, describing the effects of the bend deflection angle and approach flow conditions (non dimensional depth and the Froude number upstream from the bend) on the considered flow.

Keywords

• supercritical flow
• horizontal bend
• closed conduit
• scale model
• numerical model