Three-dimensional numerical simulation of intake model with cross flow

Abstract

The hydrodynamics of a pump sump consisting of a main channel, pump sump, and intake pipe is examined using Truchas, a three-dimensional Navier-Stokes solver, with a Large Eddy Simulation (LES) turbulence model. The numerical results of streamwise velocity profiles and flow patterns are discussed and compared with experimental data of Ansar and Nakato. Fairly good agreement is obtained. Furthermore, unlike Ansar et al.'s inviscid solution, the proposed numerical model includes the effect of fluid viscosity and considers more realistic simulation conditions. Simulation results show that viscosity affects the prediction of flow patterns and that the streamwise velocity can be better captured by including cross flow. The effects of the submergence Froude number on the free surface and streamwise velocity are also examined. The free surface significantly fluctuates at high submergence Froude number flows and the corresponding distribution of streamwise velocity profiles exhibits a trend different from that obtained for low submergence Froude number flows.