Oscillatory Flow in Loop Channel with Right Angle Branch and Reservoirs

Abstract

Oscillatory flow in loop channels consisting of a T-branch, two reservoirs, and main and side branches was experimentally investigated. The following were found: (1) Oscillatory flow composed of oscillatory and steady components was induced in the loop channels. (2) The ratio of the flow rate of the steady component in the main and side branches to the maximum flow rate of oscillatory flow in the primary branch approached constant values in the Reynolds number range of 5000 ≤Re_p,max≤10000. (3) Time-averaged pressure differences were generated between the two exits of the T-branch and between the inside and outside of the reservoirs. These pressure differences induced the steady component in the oscillatory flow in the loop channel. (4) The ratio of the flow rate of the oscillatory component in the main branch to that in the side branch was nearly equal to the ratio of the reciprocal lengths of the main and side branches.