variavel0=<b>Viviana Cocco Mariani</b> - mariani@zipmail.com Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina
<b>Alvaro Toubes Prata</b> - prata@nrva.ufsc.br Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina
<b>Abstract.</b> The present paper numerically analyzes the influence that the modification of some geometric parameters exerts on the flow in radial diffusers. An analysis of the incompressible laminar isothermal flow is reported. The effective flow and force area of valves are important parameters of efficiency for the numerical simulation of flow in hermetic alternative compressors, which is a fundamental step in the optimization process. The parameters of efficiency are presented and analyzed in function of the modification of valve geometric parameters, some combinations of Reynolds numbers and gap distance between disks (reed and seat). The motivation of this work comes from the importance that the agreement of this flow has in reed valves design, used in alternative compressors.
<b>Keywords.</b> radial diffuser, effective flow area, effective force area, ELAFINT, valve.