Flow/Particle Interactions in Vortex Tube Separators
Abstract
The purpose of this action is to add FY21 funding for: A three-year research project is proposed to reveal the detailed fluid dynamics of vortex tubeparticle separation. Vortex tube separators (VTS) centrifuge particles out of air ingested by turbine engines. The design of these devices largely relies upon empiricism, leaving detailed mechanismsof vortex/turbulence/particle interactions within them largely unknown. Future computational developments with relevance to the Navy will require detailed data and insights for several physical phenomena known to affect the behavior of these separators, including turbophoresis, vortex interactions, and highly anisotropic turbulence. Until recently, neither experimental nor computational methods could provide the critical details to reveal the mechanisms in these devices, such as particle size and concentration/flow strain-rate correlations at practical scales. The proposed project will fill a gap in detailed understanding by directing experimental work at Virginia Tech toward computational needs for models and validation in high fidelity large-eddy simulations (LES). The proposed work at Virginia Tech will involve conducting highly controlled experiments leveraging advanced diagnostics to achieve the following objectives: (1)Expose key mean flow, turbulence, and particle response characteristics of helical vortex tubes; (2) Reveal the roles of vortex-vortex interactions in preferential particle concentration downstream of VTS devices; and (3) Archive benchmark data for computational validation and future model development.An interesting feature of the work is the combined fundamental and applied impact it will provide by directly supporting applications of vortex tube arrays while generating foundational knowledge about vortex/turbulence/particle interactions that can be applied broadly.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Aug 05, 2021
- Source ID
- N000142112633
Entities
People
- Kevin Lowe
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- Virginia Tech