The Development of Top-Hat Flow Field in a Circular Symmetrical Subsonic Nozzle

In this work, the numerical analysis and experimental measurements were made to investigate the development of top-hat flow field at atmospheric pressure in a circular symmetrical subsonic nozzle. Measurements were carried out over a range of inlet velocities (about 0.07-7 m/s) based on a nozzle with constant geometric parameters, which also provided verification for the numerical simulation. The objective of this study was to determine the change of top-hat flow field from the well-known pipe velocity profile to the saddle-back distribution as well as the key behaviours for the process. Results revealed a close coupling relationship between the process and the pressure gradient inside nozzle. It was concluded that the local flow direction of fluid near the edge of cross section was changed by static pressure gradient and overlapped with the mainstream. The increase in kinetic energy of each gas particle on the cross section was different contributed to the formation of top-hat flow field. The saddle-back distribution seems to occur after the appearance of the critical position. In addition, the influence of inlet velocity on the location of critical position as well as the degree of saddle-back distribution was also concerned.