Boundary layer solution for the turbulent swirling decay flow through a fixed pipe: SBR at the inlet

In this study the developing turbulent swirling pipe flow is investigated both numerically and analytically. Governing equations are derived accompanying the boundary layer assumptions. Uniform and solid body rotation (SBR) distributions are taken into account for the axial and tangential velocities at the inlet of the pipe, respectively. Beyond the boundary layers, the flow pattern is considered to be the potential flow. Making use of the fourth-order Runge-Kutta scheme. the numerical solution of the differential equations is obtained. Further more, by simplifying the governing equations for large Rossby number, the analytical solution is performed. The results of numerical and analytical swirl intensity have been compared which shows reasonable agreement. As an alternative solution, a CFD analysis has been done. having applied FLUENT software to support the ability of our methodology. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.