Swirling flow in a conical diffuser generated with rotor-stator interaction

Application Challenge AC6-14 © copyright ERCOFTAC 2024

Overview of Tests

A closed loop experimental test rig was developed and measuresd at the Politehnica University of Timi\c soara, Romania, ~\cite{Resiga2007} for investigating decelerated swirling flows in a conical diffuser and for assessing various flow control methods. The test rig includes the following (see Fig. \ref{circuit}): (i) a main hydraulic circuit, marked blue; (ii) an auxiliary hydraulic circuit, marked red that is implemented in order to assess different control methods ~\cite{Tanasa2013,Bosioc2012}; (iii) a lower reservoir with a volume of 4$\textrm{m}^3$; (iv) a main pump that is able to provide a maximum flow rate of 40 l/s; (v) an upper reservoir equipped with a honeycomb section to provide an uniform flow at the inlet of the swirl test section, and (vi) a test section, marked magenta.