Analysis of Flow Resistance in Trifurcation Fluid Networks

In branch-like structures, branching parameters such as branching diameter, angle, length and number of levels, as well as branching number, have been important research topics in the field of fluid transport. In such flow systems, the fluid is transported to different branches with the help of the main pipe. The present study aims to investigate equi-diameter and unequi-diameter trifurcation flow systems designed according to Murray's law on flow resistance and pressure loss for a given velocity and pressure. By examining the flow model passing through the trifurcation flow system with 3D flow modeling, designs have been developed to provide the lowest pressure, least vortex formation and most efficient flow. The flow resistance for trifurcation branching for equal-diameter and unequal-diameter branching networks and terminal branch diameters are compared, and the lowest energy loss was found to occur when the diameter of two branches is equal at all three branches.