Simulation of Compressible and Incompressible Flows Through Planar and Axisymmetric Abrupt Expansions

Abstract

In this paper, compressible and incompressible flows through planar and axisymmetric sudden expansion channels are investigated numerically. Both laminar and turbulent flows are taken into consideration. Proper preconditioning in conjunction with a second-order accurate advection upstream splitting method (AUSM+-up) is employed. General equations for the loss coefficient and pressure ratio as a function of expansion ratio, Reynolds number, and the inlet Mach number are obtained. It is found that the reattachment length increases by increasing the Reynolds number. Changing the flow regime to turbulent results in a decreased reattachment length. Reattachment length increases slightly with a further increase in Reynolds number. At a given inlet Mach number, the maximum value of the ratio of the reattachment length to step height occurs at the expansion ratio of about two. Moreover, the pressure loss coefficient is a monotonic increasing function of expansion ratio and increases drastically by increasing Mach number. Increasing inlet Mach number from 0.1 to 0.2 results in an increase in pressure loss coefficient by less than 5%. However, increasing inlet Mach number from 0.4 to 0.6 results in an increase in loss coefficient by 70–100%, depending on the expansion ratio. It is revealed that increasing Reynolds number beyond a critical value results in the loss of symmetry for planar expansions. Critical Reynolds numbers change adversely to expansion ratio. The flow regains symmetry when the flow becomes turbulent. Similar bifurcating phenomena are observed beyond a certain Reynolds number in the turbulent regime.