Analysis of Cavity Corner Geometry Effect on Recirculation Zone Structure

Abstract

A numerical investigation of flow topology in open-type cavities with length-to-depth ratio L/h1 = 4 was performed in the Reynolds number range of 10–1000. Cavities with differently rounded corners were chosen for simulation. Three-dimensional numerical simulations were performed to analyse flow topology in different planes. A series of experiments was performed to ensure the validity of numerical simulations. Both numerical simulations and physical experiments were conducted with water as the working fluid. Since the results agreed acceptably, further simulations were performed. The main goal of this study was to investigate and highlight the influence of rounded cavity corners on the topology and stability of flow. Analysis revealed that fully rounded upper cavity corners decrease pressure loss compared to other investigated cases; therefore, the velocity of the main flow is increased. Additionally, fully rounded upper corners form a notably smaller recirculation zone compared to other investigated cases. Flow stability analysis showed that fully rounded cavity bottom corners negatively impact flow stability by increasing the intensity of turbulence.