Loss coefficients for laminar two dimensional incompressible channel (or duct) flow in a 90° bend are investigated using FEM software, FIDAP. This problem consists of a two dimensional duct with a 90° bend of constant radius flowing with water, at 70°F and atmositeno conditions. The bend radius to duct width ratios examined were 1.5 and 1.0. Both bend radius to duct width ratios were analyzed for Reynolds Number ranging from 50 to 1800. The pressure and velocity distributions were found and used to determine the pressure due to the bend. The results show the pressure loss effect due to the bend as a dimensionless coefficient plotted versus Reynolds Number.

It was found that the loss coefficient increases with decreasing Reynolds Number and increases with decreasing bend radius. The loss coefficient values ranged from 0.188 to 1.367 for a bend radius to duct width ratio of 1.5 and varied from 0.498 to 3.929 for a bend radius to duct width ratio of 1.0. These results can be compared with plots of existing pressure loss coefficients for like duct geometry. The results show a similar trend with existing empirical data.