Validation of a Discrete Model for Flow Distribution in Dividing-Flow Manifolds: Numerical and Experimental Studies

Abstract

A novel discrete model with variable flow coefficients is developed for dividing-flow manifold design. The applicability and accuracy of the new model is also investigated, and a validation procedure is performed. Dimensionless volume flow rate distributions along a simple dividing-flow manifold are calculated with two different approaches: the discrete model and a three-dimensional CFD model are applied. In order to validate the calculated results, laboratory experiments are carried out. Results of the discrete model compare favourably with high resolution CFD results and also with experimental data, which underlines the applicability of the new loss coefficient parametrisation used in the discrete model.