2D Numerical Simulation of a Micro Scale Ranque-Hilsch Vortex Tube

In this study, fluid flow and energy separation in a micro-scale Ranque-Hilsch Vortex Tube are numerically investigated. The flow is assumed as 2D, steady, compressible ideal gas, and shear-stress-transport SST k-W is found to be a best choice for modeling of turbulence phenomena. The results are in a good agreement with the experimental results reported in the literature. The results show that fluid flow and energy separation inside the micro-scale vortex tube is quite similar to those of traditional ones. Moreover, it is found that non-dimensional forms of coldtemperature difference and refrigerating capacity are only dependent on cold mass fraction. In addition, two correlations have been proposed to estimate nondimensional forms of cold temperature difference and refrigeration capacity in the micro-scale vortex tube.