Thermodynamic analysis of the energy separation in a counter-flow vortex tube (original) (raw)

The phenomenon of temperature separation within a vortex tube is a complex result of different factors, including pressure gradient, flow stagnation and mixture due to the internal flow structure, energy transfer between the different flow layers and heat transfer between the tube and the ambient air. There has not been a well accepted explanation for the phenomenon due to its complex internal flow condition. This paper reports analytical results of different expansion models, effect of different working fluids on the cooling performance and energy balance in the tube. Supports for pervious published hypothesis and recommendation for further research are concluded from these analytical results.