Laminar Fluid Flow in a Planar 90 Degree Bifurcation With and Without a Protruding Branching Duct

The laminar flow field in a planar, ninety degree bifurcation is examined. This numerical study uses the computational-fluid-dynamics software Fluent Version 4.11. First, the velocity field in a bifurcation without a protruding branching duct is modeled, and the results are successfully compared to experimental data. Next, the flow field is studied in bifurcations that have branching ducts that protrude into the main duct. The velocity field and pressure drop are documented, and are found to be strongly influenced by the extent of the branching duct protrusion.