Numerical Investigation and Flow Field Characteristics of T-Junction Pipe Configurations
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Abstract
T-junction pipe configurations are widely used in chemical engineering, energy systems, and environmental control equipment. The flow field in a T-junction is characterized by flow splitting, recirculation, and secondary flow, which may lead to non-uniform velocity distribution and local pressure loss. In this paper, a three-dimensional model of a T-junction pipe is established, and the internal flow field is simulated by computational fluid dynamics. The velocity vector distribution, flow split behavior, and convergence behavior of the numerical solution are analyzed. The simulation results show that the flow entering the main pipe is divided into two opposite directions, and a complex mixing region appears near the junction. The velocity magnitude in the branch pipe is higher than that in the main pipe, and the flow near the junction is highly non-uniform. The residual curves show that the solution converges after a certain number of iterations, and the continuity and momentum residuals decrease to a low level. A table of key flow parameters is provided, and several governing equations are used to describe the flow behavior. The results can provide reference for the design and optimization of T-junction pipe systems.
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References
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