Layout optimization of guide plates in a 90 degree elbow with rectangular cross section

A series of 3D numerical simulation were conducted to 90 degree elbows with rectangular cross section before and after installation of guide plates based on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software Fluent using Realizable k-ε turbulence models, after which optimal layout schemes were proposed for elbows with 1.0≤R/b≤1.5 by quantitatively analyzing the effects of following factors on the flow field uniformity of several reference sections after the turning point, such as the start/end position and central angle of guide plate, and the way that the channel was divided by guide plate. Results show that the optimal layout of guide plate is as follows; the central angle θ≥60°, placed at back position (β=0°) and the channel partitioning way meeting the conditions of b₁/b₂=0.4-0.5.