Air Flow around a Rotating Pirn and Power Loss:Part 1: Experiment and Flow Analysis by a Finite Element Method

Abstract

Air flow around a pirn rotating at high speed and power loss to rotate it were measured, and analysed from the point of Reynolds number. Air is sucked from the upper and the lower parts of the pirn, and is blown out from its middle part. This phenomena is observed and analysed by using a finite element method. Flow velocity and power loss calculated from analysed results agree well with the measured. The energy loss can be reduced with a 20° conical cover set around the pirn.