Abstract
Detailed flow measurements are essential for analysing flow structures found in confined spaces, particularly in various automotive applications. These measurements will be extremely helpful in solving flow dependent complexities. Although considerable progress has been made in computational techniques for investigating such flows, experimental flow measurements are still very difficult to carry out therein. Flows mapped using an array of robust instruments like multi-hole pressure probes can provide significant insight into the flow field of such complex flows. Pressure probes can withstand the harsh environments found in such applications; however being intrusive devices significant interference in flow field can limit their applicability. This paper presents an investigation of three-dimensional interference caused by multi-hole pressure probes in an automotive wheel arch. It involves simulation of flow around a pressure probe inserted at various locations within the wheel/wheel arch gap. Pressure and velocity fields along longitudinal and lateral planes have been mapped and the extent of interference caused by the probe along three orthogonal axes has been presented. A three-dimensional ellipsoid of interference has been defined to assist in recommending optimal placement of probes and minimise the error due to interprobe interaction, thus enhancing the measurement accuracy of transient flow phenomena.
Highlights
Multi-hole pressure probes are effective tools for multidimensional flow field measurements
The present study aims to bridge the gap in this knowledge by systematically studying the influence of the probe on flow-field interference inside a wheel arch by using a novel computational fluid dynamic (CFD) study
The pressure and velocity fields were plotted along the longitudinal (X-Y ) and lateral (Y Z) planes passing through the probe stem axis in each case with an aim to bring out the effect of probe on flow field change within wheel arch
Summary
Multi-hole pressure probes are effective tools for multidimensional flow field measurements. They provide knowledge of flow velocity, direction, as well as total and static pressures at the point of interrogation They require infrequent calibration and are fairly robust, which allows their use for flow metrology in harsh conditions like solid-liquid slurries [4] and inside axial compressors [5]. Several applications in flow metrology require detailed flow maps of difficult-to-reach regions These include flow measurements inside automotive wheel arches for analysis of flow around the rotating wheels. Real-time measurement or flow mapping during field tests of even small areas with a single instrument can take several days to complete In such situations it is essential to use arrays of multiple instruments. A series of such instruments can be used in combination
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