Optimization of fluid characteristics in the main nozzle of an air-jet loom

Abstract

As part of the propulsion system, the fluid dynamic features of the main nozzle can immediately affect the stability and efficiency of an air-jet loom. This study aims to optimize the fluid characteristics in the main nozzle of an air-jet loom. To investigate ways of weakening the effect of airflow congestion and backflow phenomenon occurring in the sudden expansion region, the computational fluid dynamics method is employed. Three-dimensional turbulence flow models for a regular main nozzle and 12 prototypes with different nozzle core tip geometry are built, simulated, and analyzed to get the optimum performance. Furthermore, a set of modified equations that consider the direction of airflow are proposed for better estimation of the friction force applied by the nozzle. The result shows that the nozzle core tip's geometry has a significant influence on the internal airflow, affecting the acceleration tube airflow velocity, turbulence intensity, and backflow strength of the sudden expansion region, and other critical fluid characteristics as well. Several proposed models have succeeded in reducing the backflow and outperforming the original design in many different aspects. Models A-60 and C-P, in particular, manage to increase the propulsion force by 37.6% and 20.2% in the acceleration tube while reducing the maximum backflow by 57.1% and 52.2%, respectively. These simulation results can provide invaluable information for the future optimization of the main nozzle.