Effect of area changes in swirling flow

Abstract

This chapter addresses the question of the effect of changes in the flow-passage area on the radial distribution of the velocity vector, in other words on the profiles of the axial and the azimuthal velocity components, in axisymmetric incompressible swirling flow. The problem is approached by examining the dynamics of the flow through Eulers equations of motion. The method of examination makes explicit use of a well-established physical property of invariants in this flow. This is that the total pressure and the moment of azimuthal velocity remain constant along a (cylindrical) stream surface. The study illuminates the nature of the change in the profiles of the axial and azimuthal velocity distribution, which involve changes of both scale and shape. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2005.