Five-hole pitot probe measurements of swirl, confinement and nozzle effects on confined turbulent flow

The results of a time-mean flow characterization of nonswirling and swirling inert flows in a combustor are reported. The five-hole pitot probe technique was used in axisymmetric test sections with expansion ratios of 1 and 1.5. A prominent corner recirculation zone identified in nonswirling expanding flows decreased in size with swirling flows. The presence of a downstream nozzle led to an adverse pressure gradient at the wall and a favorable gradient near the centerline. Reducing the expansion ratio reduced the central recirculation length. No significant effect was introduced in the flowfield by a gradual expansion.