New coefficient to characterize energy losses in compressible flow at T-junctions

A new coefficient to characterize the global behaviour of adiabatic compressible flow at T-junctions is proposed. The new coefficient is defined according to the conclusions derived from the uncertainty propagation analysis of the total pressure loss coefficient defined by Miller for compressible flow. The numerical results obtained using the new linking between branches coefficient definition, K, show a logarithmic relationship with mass flow rate ratio between branches, q, and the extrapolated Mach number in the common branch, M;, for all flow types studied in a 90 T-junction. Reliable and practical two parameters or global correlations, (K) over cap = (K) over cap (M(3)*;q), have been obtained. These correlations can be easily implemented as boundary conditions into 1D global simulation codes. (C) 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.