A numerical investigation of the flow structures and losses for turbulent flow in 90º elbow bends

Computational fluid dynamic modelling was carried out on a series of pipe bends having R/r values of 1.3, 5, and 20, with the purpose of determining the accuracy of numerical models in predicting pressure loss data from which to inform one-dimensional loss models. Four separate turbulence models were studied: the standard k-ε model, realizable k-ε model, k-ω model, and a Reynolds stress model (RSM). The results are presented for each bend in the form of upstream and downstream pressure profiles, pressure distributions along the inner and outer walls, detailed pressure and velocity fields as well as overall loss values. In each case, measured data were presented to evaluate the predictive ability of each model. The RSM was found to perform the best, producing accurate pressure loss data for bends with R/r values of 5 and 20. For the tightest bend with an R/r value of 1.3, however, predictions were significantly worse due to the presence of flow separation, stronger pressure gradients, and high streamline curvature.