A numerical study of laminar and turbulent flows in a two‐dimensional bend with or without a guide vane

Abstract

AbstractA numerical study of the flow in a two‐dimensional 90° circular‐arc bend is presented. The study is based on the solution of the governing equations using a finite volume technique. Both laminar and turbulent flows are considered. Particular attention is given to the occurrence and size of the separation regions and, in this respect, the effects of Reynolds number and bend radius to height ratio are discussed. The study includes the effect of a guide vane, placed in the bend, on the flow characteristics. It is shown that the emerging velocity distribution is more uniform than that associated with flow in a bend without a guide vane. The presence of a guide vane is shown to suppress the formation of regions of flow separation. Comparisons are made between the effects on the flow of two different designs of guide vane.