The vortex tube as a classic thermodynamic refrigeration cycle

Authors
Ahlborn, BK Gordon, JM
Citation
Bk. Ahlborn et Jm. Gordon, The vortex tube as a classic thermodynamic refrigeration cycle, J APPL PHYS, 88(6), 2000, pp. 3645-3653
Citations number
15
Categorie Soggetti
Apllied Physucs/Condensed Matter/Materiales Science
Journal title
JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYSICS
ISSN journal
00218979 → ACNP
Volume
88
Issue
6
Year of publication
2000
Pages
3645 - 3653
Database
ISI
SICI code
0021-8979(20000915)88:6<3645:TVTAAC>2.0.ZU;2-P
Abstract
Vortex tubes are commonly used as refrigeration devices. We show that the t hermal and fluid dynamics of the vortex tube bear the signature of a classi c cooling cycle, and quantify its performance as a thermodynamic machine. I n the process, we develop simple analytic formulas for the temperature and pressure profiles within the tube. The principal model predictions compare favorably against experimental measurements. (C) 2000 American Institute of Physics. [S0021-8979(00)05719-4].