Entry flow in a circular tube of aortic arch dimensions.

Steady flow within a uniform circular curved tube formed by two 90-deg elbows was studied as a function of psi, the angle between the planes of curvature of the two elbows. Boundary layer separation was found at two locations. The sites of these separation zones were observed to be essentially independent of psi while the Reynolds number at which separation was first detected was found to decrease as psi increased. The relation between separation and the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis is discussed. Secondary flow pattern was found to depend on psi and in some instances on Reynolds number as well.