This experimental study investigated fluid dynamics of a channel partially filled with a metal foam block with various pore densities; 5, 10 and 30 PPI. The effects of foam heights, in a range of 0.004 – 0.050 m, and inlet velocities, from 3.9 to 12.5 m/s, on the flow field were investigated using Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV). For a more comprehensive analysis of the problem, detailed flow patterns inside the porous foam were visualized by applying a thermal imaging method. Results show that there are different flow behaviours in the partially filled channel depending on the key parameters. A boundary layer is formed on the horizontal fluid/foam interface, which is much more noticeable and thicker in high blockage ratio cases. The low-pore density foam allows the flow to pass through its porous structure while the higher pore density foam imposes more restrictions on the flow pushing the fluid away from the foam into non-porous region on the top of the foam block before reaching the foam end.

中文翻译：

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泡沫铝块部分填充通道的流动可视化研究

本实验研究了部分填充有各种孔隙密度的金属泡沫块的通道的流体动力学；5、10 和 30 PPI。使用粒子图像测速法 (PIV) 研究了 0.004 – 0.050 m 范围内的泡沫高度和 3.9 至 12.5 m/s 的入口速度对流场的影响。为了对问题进行更全面的分析，通过应用热成像方法对多孔泡沫内部的详细流动模式进行了可视化。结果表明，根据关键参数，在部分填充的通道中存在不同的流动行为。在水平流体/泡沫界面上形成边界层，在高堵塞率情况下，边界层更明显且更厚。