Abstract
Turbulent flows in a intake part of vacuum cleaner are studied by RANS simulations. The governing equations are solved by the SIMPLE algorithm based on the finite volume method of the unstructured grid system. The predicted results show that the suction performance is closely related to the variation of flow structure in the intake part. In order to investigate for the cleaning of bedclothes and carpet without sticking, several design changes are applied. The introduction of a solid cylinder in the intake part changes vortical structures significantly. Based on this result, a new design with spiral brushes is proposed. The design shows a good behavior for the suction performance and the flow control.