Numerical analysis of the curvature effects on Ranque–Hilsch vortex tube refrigerators

In this paper, the effect of curvature on the performance of vortex tubes is investigated numerically. The study was conducted on curvature angles of 0 and 110°. The model is three dimensional and utilizes the RNG k–ɛ turbulence model for determining the flow and temperature fields. The CFD model is verified through comparison with experimental data reported by the authors previously. The code was then utilized to study the effects of radius and angle of curvature on the performance of vortex tube. The results show that the efficiency of straight vortex tube is higher than the curved vortex tube with angle of 110°. The actual values and CFD model results indicated that CFD model can be successfully used for the determination of heating and cooling performances of curvature effects on Ranque–Hilsch vortex tube.