An experimental study of the three dimensional boundary layer on the end wall of a vortex chamber

Abstract

Profiles of the radial and circumferential components of velocity have been measured in the end-wall boundary layer of a vortex chamber as part of an experimental and theoretical investigation of a confined, incompressible vortex flow. The profiles have been presented here for various radial positions and operating conditions and the main features of the boundary-layer have been discussed. Further, the circumferential profiles have been analysed by plotting them in two types of dimensionless coordinates. Also, the wall friction data corresponding to the circumferential direction have been plotted. Hence an empirical expression for the wall friction factor was obtained. The data presented here reveal some new features and provide new information on the end-wall boundary layer flow in a vortex chamber.