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Comparison of Three Methods for Oscillating Flow Measurements in Cryocoolers

Published

Author(s)

Ryan Snodgrass, Vincent Kotsubo, Joel Ullom

Abstract

Measurement of oscillating mass flows is typically required for the study of cryocoolers and cryocooler compressors. Although many measurement techniques are used in the cryocooler literature, detailed comparisons are lacking, so it can be challenging for experimentalists to decide which method(s) may be most appropriate for them. In this study, oscillating helium at flow rate magnitudes up to about 10 g/s was simultaneously measured using three different techniques: hot wire anemometry, measurement of the pressure difference across a bed of screens, and measurement of the pressure oscillation in a reservoir of known compliance. It is shown that these three flow meters agree with one another to within a few percent of the maximum flow rate; this agreement validates all three methods as viable tools for the cryocooler experimentalist. The flow meter based on the compliance of a reservoir is most accurate when accounting for thermal boundary layer effects. Mass flow rates were measured near ambient temperature and at a frequency of 1.4 Hz.
Proceedings Title
Cryocoolers 23
Conference Dates
June 3-6, 2024
Conference Location
Madison, WI, US
Conference Title
International Cryocooler Conference

Keywords

Cryocooler, flow rate, oscillating

Citation

Snodgrass, R. , Kotsubo, V. and Ullom, J. (2024), Comparison of Three Methods for Oscillating Flow Measurements in Cryocoolers, Cryocoolers 23, Madison, WI, US, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=958206 (Accessed November 13, 2024)

Issues

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Created October 16, 2024