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The Flow in Cylindrical Cyclones
Author(s) -
Zhao J.Q.,
Abrahamson J.
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
developments in chemical engineering and mineral processing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1932-2143
pISSN - 0969-1855
DOI - 10.1002/apj.5500110403
Subject(s) - streamlines, streaklines, and pathlines , inviscid flow , mechanics , cyclone (programming language) , inlet , vorticity , flow (mathematics) , stream function , meteorology , rotational symmetry , vortex , physics , geology , classical mechanics , engineering , field programmable gate array , geomorphology , embedded system
A mathematical model for the flow in a cylindrical cyclone is developed, which is an exact solution of the equation of motion for steady axisymmetric inviscid flow with or without a central ‘air’ core, and with a specified distribution of vorticity on the streamlines at inlet boundary. The theoretical results are compared with experimental data from Smith 1962, showing reasonable agreement for axial velocity profiles and streamline patterns but differences for angular momentum. The effect on the flow pattern of vorticity advected into the inlet stream is discussed. The model corroborates Smith's 1962 observation that the flow in the lower part of the cyclone has unique characteristics. If the inlet pattern does not match these characteristics, then the flow makes a rapid adjustment in the upper part of the cyclone. The model also shows the commonly observed independence of tangential velocity with axial distance, but only at high swirl.