The vortex tube as a classic thermodynamic refrigeration cycle

Vortex tubes are commonly used as refrigeration devices. We show that the thermal and fluid dynamics of the vortex tube bear the signature of a classic cooling cycle, and quantify its performance as a thermodynamic machine. In the process, we develop simple analytic formulas for the temperature and pressure profiles within the tube. The principal model predictions compare favorably against experimental measurements. (C) 2000 American Institute of Physics. [S0021-8979(00)05719-4].