Author(s): Jaebin Seonwoo; Hyungju Noh; Joongcheol Paik; Hongjoon Shin
Linked Author(s): Joongcheol Paik
Keywords: Flow straightener Open channel flow Multiple parallel tubes Turbulence intensity
Abstract: A flow straightener, designed using multiple parallel tubes, was developed and validated to stabilize the flow and effectively remove air bubbles in the open channel experiment flume. The perforated plate commonly used in hydraulic experiments has the disadvantage of introducing air bubbles at high flow rates, which distorts both flow velocity and water level. To address this issue, a flow straightener consisting of nine bundles of polycarbonate (PC) pipes with various diameters (D) and lengths (L) was constructed. Hydraulic experiments were conducted in an open channel with dimensions of 0.6 m in width, 0.6 m in height, and 10 m in length. The turbulent flow downstream of the flow straightener was measured using a Nortek Acoustic Doppler Velocimeter. The experimental results indicated that increasing the length of the parallel tubes reduced the flow velocity fluctuations and smaller diameters were more effective in reducing turbulence intensity. Additionally, air bubbles were effectively removed as they rose after passing through the straightener. The results demonstrated that the flow straightener could reduce turbulence intensity by approximately 50%, providing a more stable and uniform flow velocity distribution.
Year: 2025