Velocity and Pressure Measurements Along a Row of Confined Cylinders

Abstract

The results of flow experiments performed in a row of confined cylinders designed to mimic a model of a prismatic gas-cooled reactor lower plenum design are presented. Pressure measurements between the cylinders were made. Additionally, the flow field was measured using particle image velocimetry at two different resolutions (one at high resolution and a second with wide angle that includes three cylinders). Based on these measurements, five regimes of flow behavior are identified that are found to depend on Reynolds number. It is found that the recirculation region behind the cylinders is shorter than that of half-cylinders placed on the wall representing the symmetry plane. Unlike a single cylinder, the separation point is always found to be on the rear of the cylinders, even at very low Reynolds number.