A series of experimental studies on the flow friction behavior in a rectangular channel filled with various porous metallic foam materials have been performed. The rectangular channel has a cross-sectional area 60mm × 25.4mm with a length of 60mm. The parameters and conditions of interest in the study are the Reynolds number (Re) and medium porosity/pore density (ε/PPI). The ranges of the above-mentioned parameters are: Re=2058-6736 and ε=0.7-0.93/5-40PPI. Their effects on flow friction characteristics in such porous metallic foam channels have been systematically explored. In the study, the porous flow parameters including the Darcy number (Da), inertia coefficient (CF) and Darcy friction factor (f) are investigated. The combined effects of foam porosity and Reynolds number are examined in detail. From the results, the relevant new empirical correlations of Da and CF are proposed, respectively; and a new correlation of the friction factor in terms of ε, Da and Re is presented. Besides, the results reveal that all the ratios of f/fε=1 are much greater than unity and reach the orders of around hundreds to thousands. This manifests that it needs more pumping power to maintain the same flow rate as in a hollow channel. Finally, the experimental data of f/fε=1 is correlated in the study.

Volume Subject Area:
Fluids Engineering
Keywords:
Porous Channel, Reynolds Number, Darcy Number, Inertia Coefficient, Darcy Friction Factor
Topics:
Flow (Dynamics), Friction, Inertia (Mechanics), Reynolds number
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