Using single-sensor hot-wire anemometry for velocity measurements in confined swirling flows

Abstract This short communication presents a novel technique for measuring the velocity of a confined swirling flow using a single-sensor hot-wire probe. Unlike conventional hot-wire techniques, directional calibration of the hot-wire probe is not required. The technique has been applied to a swirling flow in an annular pipe. Comparisons are made with measurements obtained using a dual-sensor X-probe. A non-dimensional swirl number was used to characterise the swirl intensity obtained using both techniques. A good agreement was attained wherein a ±0.04 difference was obtained between the two techniques.