A critical review on the flow structure studies of Ranque–Hilsch vortex tubes.

Various methods had been taken for the flow field studies, among them, qualitative visualizations and probe intrusive measurements have a long history and had been adopted since last 50s, while laser non-intrusive measurements and numerical simulations are the emerging methods, especially the former. Nowadays, more and more researchers have realized there are specific and regular flow structures in the strong turbulence of vortex tube, and the flow structures have great significance on understanding the energy separation process and performance. However, there still did not exist a review on the flow structure studies. The aim of this paper is to offer a critical review and discussion on the current studying methods, findings and differences on the flow structures in vortex tube. In addition, future scopes were proposed on the experimentally and theoretically verification of these flow structures and their effects on the energy separation process and performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]