The Torsion Effect on Fully Developed Laminar Flow in Helical Square Ducts

The continuity equation and Navier-Stokes equations derived from a non-orthogonal helical coordinate system are solved by the Galerkin finite-element method in an attempt to study the torsion effect on the fully developed laminar flow in the helical square duct. Since high-order terms of curvature and torsion are considered, the approach is also applicable to the problems with finite curvature and torsion. The interaction effects of curvature, torsion, and the inclined angle of the cross section on the secondary flow, axial velocity, and friction factor in the helical square duct are presented. The results show that the torsion has more pronounced effect on the secondary flow rather than the axial flow. In addition, unlike the flow in the toroidal square duct, Dean’s instability of the secondary flow, which occurs near the outer wall in the helical square duct, can be avoided due to the effects of torsion and/or inclined angle. In such cases, a decrease of the friction factor is observed. However, as the pressure gradient decreases to a small value, the friction factor for the toroidal square duct is also applicable to the helical square duct.