Nozzle loss coefficient that increases with Reynolds number?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the behavior of drag coefficients and loss coefficients in fluid dynamics, particularly focusing on the potential for an increasing loss coefficient in an inlet flow nozzle as the Reynolds number increases. The context includes considerations of incompressible flow and specific flow regimes, such as post-critical separated flow.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that at high Reynolds numbers, the drag coefficient of a sphere decreases suddenly due to boundary layer separation, and then increases with further increases in Reynolds number, suggesting a parallel in nozzle flows.
  • Another participant suggests that if an increasing loss coefficient were to occur, it would likely happen after the throat of the nozzle rather than before it.
  • A third participant introduces the concept of a cavitating venturi as a potential related phenomenon.
  • Another participant references research on orifice coefficients versus Reynolds number, indicating that the fluid dynamics of inlet flows can vary significantly based on the geometry of the inlet.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the behavior of loss coefficients in nozzles, with no consensus reached on whether an increasing loss coefficient with Reynolds number is achievable or where it might occur in the flow structure.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the assumptions made about flow characteristics, the specific conditions under which the phenomena are observed, and the dependence on the geometry of the nozzle.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to those studying fluid dynamics, particularly in the context of nozzle design, drag coefficients, and flow behavior at varying Reynolds numbers.

bemortu
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TL;DR
Is it possible to design an inlet nozzle (subsonic, turbulent) with a loss coefficient that increases with Reynolds number?
Hi,
I started to think about the drag coefficient of a sphere. At high Reynolds number Cd drops of suddenly when the boundary layer separates. If the Reynolds number is increased further, Cd increases with increasing Re. (I'm thinking about what is referred to as "post critical separated flow").

Does anybody know if something similar can be achieved for internal flows? Specifically in an inlet flow nozzle. I would like to have an increasing loss coefficient of the nozzle when Reynolds number increases. I'm dealing with incompressible flow (i.e. subsonic). Reynolds number around 1e5 (order of magnitude).
 
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I would think that, if something like this happened, it would occur after the throat of the nozzle, rather than before.
 
cavitating venturi?
 
Search term orifice coefficient vs reynolds number found many good hits. Here's a graph from one of them for square edge orifices:
Orifice.jpg

You are up against the fluid dynamics of inlet flows. Smooth rounded inlets have much different curves.
 

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