Hydrodynamic Flow Simulation and Thermal Mixing Characteristics in T-Junction Pipes
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Abstract
T-junction pipes are widely used in heat exchangers, mixing devices, and thermal fluid systems. The hydrodynamic flow and thermal mixing characteristics in a T-junction pipe have a significant influence on the temperature uniformity and the pressure loss of the system. In this paper, a two-dimensional model of a T-junction pipe is established, and the internal flow field is simulated by computational fluid dynamics. The mesh distribution, velocity magnitude distribution, and thermal mixing behavior near the junction are analyzed. The simulation results show that the flow entering the branch pipe moves downward and impinges on the main pipe, which generates a complex mixing region near the junction. The velocity magnitude in the branch pipe is higher than that in the main pipe, and a low-velocity recirculation zone appears on both sides of the junction. The velocity distribution in the main pipe is non-uniform, and the mixing region extends along the downstream direction. A table of key hydrodynamic parameters is provided, and several governing equations are used to describe the flow and thermal behavior. The results can provide reference for the design and optimization of T-junction pipe systems in thermal fluid engineering.
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