Studies of unsteady thermo-fluid mechanic devices

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The primary aim of this research program is to advance the state of understanding and application of Ranque-Hilsch (vortex) tube devices. The vortex tube is a very simple, non-moving part, pneumatic device that separates cold fluid from hot fluid for cooling purposes. It utilizes compressed gas, injected tangentially into the vortex tube to establish a strong swirling flow. There is still controversy over the physical explanation of the operation of these devices. In addition, experimental measurements of the internal flow field of the devices are extremely difficult due to the strong vortex flow. Recent experiments conducted, in our laboratory, show that the cooling effect only occurs at Reynolds numbers consistent with turbulence. This work leads to the question of whether subjecting the device to a pulsating supply flow would result in the desired energy separation.