Viscoelastic Flow in a Y-Shaped Channel

Part 2 : Branching Flow and Merging Flow

Abstract

The viscoelastic flow in a Y-shaped channel is observed by means of flow visualization and is numerically simulated by using the finite difference method.Influences of parameters such as rheological constants, flowrate ratio and branching angle on the flow pattern are discussed.
(1) In the branching flow of the viscoelastic liquid, stream lines swell near the channel wall just upstream of the acute angle turn of the fluid at the branch.
(2) Characteristcis of the viscoelastic flow become pronounced as the fluid viscosity becomes more shear thinning.
(3) In a merging flow the region of the secondary flow just upstream of the acute angle turn becomes larger with increasing the outflow rate ratio.