Characteristics of oscillating flow through a channel filled with open-cell metal foam

An experimental study was performed to investigate the characteristics of oscillating flow through a channel filled with open-cell metal foam with a fully inter-connected pore structure. Detailed experimental data of oscillating flow pressure drops and velocities for a wide range of oscillatory frequency and the maximum flow displacement were presented. A correlation equation for the maximum friction factor of metal foams subject to oscillating flow was obtained and compared with the results for channels inserted with wire-screens obtained by other investigators. The results showed that oscillating flow characteristics in an open-cell metal foam are governed by a hydraulic ligament diameter based kinetic Reynolds number Reω(Dh) and the dimensionless flow displacement amplitude ADh. The effects of kinetic Reynolds number on the variations of pressure drop and flow velocity in metal foam are more significant than that of the dimensionless flow displacement amplitude. The maximum friction factor of oscillating flow in open-cell metal foams is much smaller than that of oscillating flow in wire-screens for large flow displacement amplitudes.