Modeling of free surface flow in a helical channel with finite pitch

Abstract

The laminar fully developed free surface flow in a helical channel with finite pitch and rectangular section is modeled. The mass and momentum conservation equations are written in a local orthogonal system and solved numerically using the finite volume method. The free surface position, determined using the height of liquid method, compares favorably against the experimental data. The main and secondary velocity fields are determined as well as the friction factor for Reynolds number ranging from 352 to 856 Copyright © 2007 by ABCM.