Three-dimensional asymmetric flow through a planar diffuser: Effects of divergence angle, Reynolds number and aspect ratio

In this study, three-dimensional laminar incompressible flow through a planar diffuser (gradual expansion) for different divergence half angles of the diffuser (θ), Reynolds numbers (Re), and aspect ratios (AR) is studied numerically. The numerical model is validated against the experimental data available in the literature. The effects of θ and AR on the critical Reynolds number at which the onset of asymmetric flow is observed, are investigated.