Numerical simulation of the flow through the blades of a swirl generator

摘要

This paper aims at analyzing the dynamics behavior of the flow generated by blade swirlers. Three-dimensional calculations are carried out for different Reynolds numbers and blade angles (θ = 20°, 30°, and 45°). Flow field characteristics within the swirler and in the outgoing jet are examined in detail. Results are discussed in terms of the axial and circumferential components of the turbulent velocity field, on the basis of a swirl number to qualify the complex flow field. The results obtained for the different configurations reveal that a vortical structure is present at the inlet of the swirl generator and it is identified at the jet exit. Its intensity depends on the blade angle.