Performance of Low-Aspect-Ratio Diffusers With Fully Developed Turbulent Inlet Flows: Part I—Some Experimental Results

Abstract

An experimental investigation of the effects of incompressible, fully developed, turbulent inlet flow on the performance of straight, two-dimensional rectangular diffusers of low aspect ratio is presented. Results presented include flow regime information, performance curves, and total-pressure loss data for a series of diffusers of moderate non dimensional length and low aspect ratio. The results are compared to existing data and correlations and important differences are noted between the diffusers of this study and diffusers of high aspect ratio with thin to moderately thick turbulent boundary layers at inlet.