Entry Flow in Curved Channels

Abstract

Entry flow in curved channels is investigated by an approximate method analogous to that used by Pohlhausen in his treatment of boundary layer flows. Constant total pressure across the channel at the entrance is assumed. Therefore, if the upstream influences of viscosity have been neglected, the initial condition is given by a nonuniform velocity right at the entrance to the curved channel. The boundary layer in the entrance region is estimated by assuming a velocity profile that approaches the near parabolic profile when the flow becomes fully developed. As a result of wall curvature, entrance length becomes longer and the pressure drop along the inner wall is different from that along the outer wall.