Measurements of pore scale flows within and exiting ceramic foams

LDA was used to measure the mean velocities and pore scale turbulence intensity of air flowing through ceramic foams having pore sizes between 0.8 and 2.5 mm in diameter. The stream-wise and transverse velocity components were measured near the exit plane, in a region between two foams separated by 5 mm, and within a section of ceramic foam. Mean velocities ranged from 0.25 m/s to 1.5 m/s, corresponding to pore Reynolds numbers between 20 and 200. A transition to a fully developed pore turbulence was achieved at pore Reynolds numbers above approximately 150.Support for this work was provided by the Texas Advanced Research Program and The Center for Energy Studies of The University of Texas at Austin.