Laminar Flow Analysis in the Channel Bends

In this paper the laminar flow in the rectangular channel bends is simulated using numerical techniques. The turning angle of the channel bend and the area ratio of the channel cross-section are two important parameters to be examined. For flow simulation, the body fitted 3-D continuity and momentum equations are used and a body fitted general purpose code is developed. The existing results of a tied-diriven cavity and the experimental results from a 90 degree square bend were used for code validation. After the code validation, the effect of the area change in the 90 degree bend is examined. The numerical results indicated that increasing the area causes changes in the flow pattern, in turn, which has a direct impact on pressure drop. Similar results were obtained for other bend angles including 30, 60, 120, 150 and 180 degree bends. The results showed that increased bend turning angle increases the pressure drop which is in good agreement with existing experimental data.