The results of a combined experimental and numerical study of the flow in slowly diverging pipes are presented. Interestingly, an axisymmetric conical recirculation cell has been observed. The conditions for its existence and the length of the cell are simulated for a range of diverging angles. There is a critical velocity for the appearance of this state. When the flow rate increases further, a subcritical transition for localized turbulence arises. The transition and relaminarization experiments described here quantify the extent of turbulence. The findings suggest that the transition scenario in slowly diverging pipes is a combination of stages similar to those observed in sudden expansions and in straight circular pipe flow.
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