Realizable K-epsilon Turbulence Model Research Articles

Drift and afterburning effect on rocket exhaust plume impingement and optimization of deflector

This paper studies the one-nozzle liquid rocket exhaust plume impinging on the flame deflector. The effect of drift and afterburning on exhaust plume impinging on the deflector during the takeoff phase is studied by numerical simulation. An impact model is established based on three-dimensional compressible Navier-Stokes equations, a two-equation realizable k-epsilon turbulence model, an afterburning model, and second-order total variation diminishing upwind scheme. The study shows that the smoothness of the deflector discharge is affected by the impingement position of the exhaust plume impinging on the deflector due to the drift of such a position during the take-off phase of the rocket. The temperature of the rocket exhaust plume flow field after considering the chemical reactions is higher than that of the frozen flow, and the temperature of the deflector surface is also higher than that of the frozen case. With the increase of the impingement angleat inlet areaof the rocket exhaust plume impinging on the deflector, the deflector discharge performance gradually decreases. At the same impingement angleat inlet area, as the impingement angleat exit areadecreases, the deflector slot discharges more smoothly.

Numerical simulation on JAG-type corrugated plate flow heat transfer characteristics considering physical property changes and shell heat transfer

This research considers the combined effects of changes in fluid properties and shell heat transfer. The realizable k-epsilon turbulence model combined with the enhanced wall function is used to numerically simulate the flow and heat transfer characteristics of a new plate-shell heat exchanger plate side, which was verified to be accurate in combination with previous research results. Focus was placed on the analysis concerning the flow heat transfer characteristics for different corrugation depths at different inlet velocities. It was found that increasing the corrugation depth can make the fluid distribution tends to be uniform heat transfer performance increases, but the increase in velocity will have the opposite effect on the heat transfer performance. Furthermore, field synergy theory reveals the synergistic distribution regularities of the velocity field with the temperature field and pressure field. Consecutive vortex structures are formed along the grooves, and the flow in the core region of the corrugated channels is similar to the heat flow, reducing the synergistic ability among the three fields makes the heat transfer less effective. These findings contribute to understanding heat transfer in similar scenarios, especially in energy engineering and thermal management.

Hydrodynamics Analysis of Mixing Process in Fermenter

The perfect mixing process ensures the ideal substrate conditions for microorganisms to live to produce ethanol in the fermenter. The critical factors that affect the mixing process are the agitation speed, baffle configuration, and the impeller type. The Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software can make the study of fermenter hydrodynamics more convenient due to the cost savings of expensive apparatus and less time-consuming. This study aimed to examine the hydrodynamic characteristics of a fermenter using the ANSYS FLUENT 2021 R1 software and its validation. The hydrodynamics of the mixing process in the dual-pitched blade impeller bioethanol fermenter in agitation speeds of 200 to 1000 RPM and the effect of baffles were observed by simulation and experimentally. The realizable k-epsilon turbulence model and the Eulerian volume of fluid mixture multiphase model were used in this CFD simulation. The simulation results were relatively close to the experimental with similar flow patterns and low mixing time error, which is 7.9% on average. The results show that the higher the agitation speed, the higher the torque, power, and shear stress. The increasing agitation speed caused the lower mixing time. A faster mixing time was obtained in the fermenter with no baffle configuration.

Numerical study on effects of nozzle hole spacing distance on steam submerged jet condensation from triangular holes spray nozzle

Steam-water direct contact condensation (DCC) is a phenomenon which is frequently found in the industrial sector due to its rapid and efficient heat and mass exchange rates. In this work, three dimensional numerical study of steam injection from triangular hole nozzles (with different holes pitch circle diameter, PCD = 6, 8,10 and 12 mm) into subcooled water tank has been carried out using Eulerian multiphase flow model along with realizable k-epsilon turbulence model. The thermal phase change model as User Defined Function (UDF) was employed in Fluent software for capturing submerged steam jet condensation. The simulation results were validated using experimental results as well as previously published numerical study and a fairly good agreement was observed. The effects of nozzle hole spacing distance on distributions of various thermal hydraulics parameters including velocity, pressure, temperature, heat and transfer characteristics have been studied. The axial distribution of the velocity, temperature, heat transfer coefficient and mass transfer computed at the centerline of the nozzle was found weaker than observed at the centerline of the nozzle holes. However, these distributions were not weak at nozzle centerline for nozzle with PCD 6 mm. The heat transfer coefficient has been found in the ranges of 1.75–2.3 MW/m2 K. The results reveal that the heat transfer coefficient for nozzle PCD 8 mm is higher than rate obtained for other nozzles. The rate of mass transfer at the holes centerlines has been found increasing with the holes PCD. The axial distribution of the mass transfer curve shifts downstream for nozzle with smaller PCD. Additionally, the mutual shielding effect of the jets weakens as holes PCD increases.

The Influence of Thrust Chamber Structure Parameters on Regenerative Cooling Effect with Hydrogen Peroxide as Coolant in Liquid Rocket Engines

Liquid rocket engines with hydrogen peroxide and kerosene have the advantages of high density specific impulse, high reliability, and no ignition system. At present, the cooling problem of hydrogen peroxide engines, especially with regenerative cooling, has been little explored. In this study, a realizable k-epsilon turbulence model, discrete phase model, eddy dissipation concept model, and 10-step 10-component reaction mechanism of kerosene with oxygen are used. The increased rib height of the regenerative cooling channel causes the inner wall temperature of the engine increases, the average temperature of the coolant outlet decreases slightly, and the coolant pressure decreases. The overall wall temperature decreases as the rib width of the regenerative cooling channel increases. However, in the nozzle throat area, the wall temperature increases, the average coolant outlet temperature decreases, and the coolant pressure drop increases. A decrease in the inner wall thickness of the regenerative cooling channel results in a significant decrease in the wall temperature and a small increase in the average coolant outlet temperature. These findings contribute to the further development of the engine with hydrogen peroxide and can guide the design of its regenerative cooling process.

CFD Method to Study Hydrodynamics Forces Acting on Ship Navigating in Confined Curved Channels with Current

The bending section of the restricted channel is one of the most accident-prone areas for inland ships, but few clear investigations on the curvature effect have been conducted till now. Therefore, this paper presents numerical research of the curvature effect in confined bending channels on ship hydrodynamics. The unsteady Navier–Stokes equations closed by the realizable K-Epsilon turbulence model are utilized to simulate the flow around a three-dimensional inland ship. A mesh verification analysis is performed to select the most suitable grid size, and the CFD model is validated in a regular confined channel by comparing the numerical resistance forces with those from experiments. The impacts of the channel slope angle, channel radius, ship type (ship length), and current velocity in curved channels on ship hydrodynamics are studied with their influence patterns and mechanisms being analyzed in detail. Results show that channel radius only affects the yaw moment much, whereas ship hydrodynamics are greatly sensitive to the slope angle only when the angle is below a certain threshold value. Compared with short ships, much stronger spiral currents can be noticed passing through long ships in the same channel configuration. Current velocity affects both resistance and yaw moment a lot, with a critical current velocity for sway force.

Enhancing the aerodynamic performance of a Savonius wind turbine using Taguchi optimization method

ABSTRACT Savonius wind turbines are a type of vertical axis wind turbine. In this research, the effect of some design parameters such as blade type, overlap ratio, separation distance, and blade thickness on the aerodynamic performance of a two-bladed Savonius wind turbine with the rotor diameter of 0,3 m was investigated numerically by using a realizable k-epsilon turbulence model. Three different levels were selected for each parameter. Computational fluid dynamics analyses were performed using Fluent software and the Taguchi method was used for the optimization process. It was seen that a Savonius rotor with an elliptical blade that has a 2 mm thickness, a 0,15 overlap ratio, and a 7,5 mm separation distance shows the best aerodynamic performance. The difference between the aerodynamic performances of the base and the optimized rotor was found to be greater at higher tip speed ratios than at lower tip speed ratios. The power coefficient was raised by nearly 17,9% for a tip speed ratio = 0,8. The optimal tip speed ratio value was changed from 0,8 to 1,0, after the optimization process.

Research on Air-Flow-Field Characteristics and Structural Optimization of the Guide Channels of the Autoclave

In order to solve the problem of uneven air inlet flow in the guide channel of autoclave, three optimization schemes for the guide plate were proposed. The flow field in the guide channels of autoclave was simulated and analyzed by the realizable k-epsilon turbulence model and dynamic boundary method. The results show that the three optimization schemes have a certain effect on solving the problem of uneven air inlet flow in each guide channel, but some of them also have some negative effects. The integration of the three optimization schemes effectively increases the total air inlet flow of the guide channels; the increase ratio reaches 4.15%, improves the flow-field characteristics at the outlet of the guide channels and greatly reduces the difference in the air inlet flow in the left and right guide channels; the difference ratio drops from 62.61% to 5.37%.

A Preliminary Numerical Investigation of Thermal Mixing Efficiency in T-Junctions with Different Flow Configurations

When hot and cold fluids flow through a converging T-junction, rapid temperature fluctuations occur in the mixing region due to the thermal mixing of fluids. This temperature fluctuation causes thermal fatigue, which is responsible for the shortening of service life in a T-junction. Hence, the design of T-junction for thermal mixing requires not only superior mixing performance but minimize thermal fluctuation during mixing is also desirable. The objective of the present paper is to determine the thermal mixing performance at the mixing region of T-junction with two different flow configurations. Water, at different inlet temperatures, is used as a working medium and is assumed incompressible. Two types of flow configurations, namely intersecting and colliding regular T-junction with a sidearm pointing at 12 o’clock position have been evaluated in this paper. Realizable k-epsilon turbulence model was assumed, and its validity benchmarked against RANS and RSM-EB turbulence models. The thermal mixing efficiency of both flow configurations is calculated and compared. The results show that the thermal mixing efficiency of both intersecting and colliding mixing tee increases with the increase of distance and time. Intersecting tee shows higher temperature fluctuation than colliding tee at the mixing outlet, but colliding tee shows higher thermal mixing efficiency than intersecting mixing tee.

Forecasting a bubbly-intermittent flow regime transition in helically coiled tubes

Simulations of gas–liquid turbulent flows in helically coiled tubes are conducted by a two-fluid hydrodynamic model coupled with the population balance equation. A model of bubble breakup in a turbulent flow, recently developed by the authors, is incorporated into the ANSYS Fluent CFD code employed as a computational tool. The population balance equation is solved by a discrete method. A realizable k-epsilon turbulence model is used for all computations. Numerous simulations of gas-liquid flows in vertically oriented coiled tubes are conducted. Three different coil diameters are employed for simulations. Computed bubble chord distributions are close to experimental data. Simulated dependencies of the superficial liquid velocity on the superficial gas velocity, corresponding the bubbly-intermittent flow regime transition, are in excelled agreement with measured ones. On the other hand, dependencies, obtained using standard bubble breakup models, significantly deviate from experimental results. Thus, it is demonstrated that employment of the novel bubble breakup model greatly enhances a computational accuracy of gas-liquid flows in helically coiled tubes.

CFD analysis of jet flows ejected from different nozzles

AbstractNozzles are widely used to control the rate of flow, speed, direction, mass, shape and pressure of the stream in connection with many different engineering applications. This paper presents the performance predicted by a computational fluid dynamic (CFD) model, which are 3D models that utilize parametric analysis, realizable k-epsilon turbulence models and experimental measurement for a jet. Jet flows are ejected from three different slot nozzles: round-shaped nozzle, rectangular-shaped nozzle and 2D-contoured nozzle. In this numerical study, velocities of free jets have been predicted for different axial distances from the nozzle exit in the range of $0.2\le z/B\le 12$ when center velocity at the nozzle exit. CFD simulation results are compared to experimental results from literature. These results are consistent with the existing experiments.

Numerical simulation and experimental validation of cavitating flow in a multi-hole diesel fuel injector

This study assesses the predictive capability of the ZGB (Zwart-Gerber-Belamri) cavitation model with the RANS (Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes), the realizable k-epsilon turbulence model, and compressibility of gas/liquid models for cavitation simulation in a multi-hole fuel injector at different cavitation numbers (CN) for diesel and biodiesel fuels. The prediction results were assessed quantitatively by comparison of predicted velocity profiles with those of measured LDV (Laser Doppler Velocimetry) data. Subsequently, predictions were assessed qualitatively by visual comparison of the predicted void fraction with experimental CCD (Charged Couple Device) recorded images. Both comparisons showed that the model could predict fluid behavior in such a condition with a high level of confidence. Additionally, flow field analysis of numerical results showed the formation of vortices in the injector sac volume. The analysis showed two main types of vortex structures formed. The first kind appeared connecting two adjacent holes and is known as “hole-to-hole” connecting vortices. The second type structure appeared as double “counter-rotating” vortices emerging from the needle wall and entering the injector hole facing it. The use of RANS proved to save significant computational cost and time in predicting the cavitating flow with good accuracy.

Numerical studies on four-engine rocket exhaust plume impinging on flame deflectors with afterburning

This paper studies the four-engine liquid rocket flow field during the launching phase. Using three-dimensional compressible Navier-Stokes equations and two-equation realizable k-epsilon turbulence model, an impact model is established and flow fields of plume impinging on the two different shapes of flame deflectors, including wedge-shaped flame deflector and cone-shaped flame deflector, are calculated. The finite-rate chemical kinetics is used to track chemical reactions. The simulation results show that afterburning mainly occurs in the mixed layer. And the region of peak pressure occurs directly under the rocket nozzle, which is the result of the direct impact of exhaust plume. Compared with the wedge-shaped flame deflector, the cone-shaped flame deflector has great performance on guiding exhaust gas. The wedge-shaped and cone-shaped flame deflectors guide the supersonic exhaust plume away from the impingement point with two directions and circumferential direction, respectively. The maximum pressure and temperature on the wedge-shaped flame deflector surface are 37.2% and 9.9% higher than those for the cone-shaped flame deflector. The results provide engineering guidance and theoretical significance for design in flame deflector of the launch platforms.

Aerodynamic Shape Optimization of a Missile Using a Multiobjective Genetic Algorithm

The aim of this paper is to demonstrate the effects of the shape optimization on the missile performance at supersonic speeds. The N1G missile model shape variation, which decreased its aerodynamic drag and increased its aerodynamic lift at supersonic flow under determined constraints, was numerically investigated. Missile geometry was selected from a literature study for optimization in terms of aerodynamics. Missile aerodynamic coefficient prediction was performed to verify and compare with existing experimental results at supersonic Mach numbers using SST k-omega, realizable k-epsilon, and Spalart-Allmaras turbulence models. In the optimization process, the missile body and fin design parameters need to be estimated to design optimum missile geometry. Lift and drag coefficients were considered objective function. Input and output parameters were collected to obtain design points. Multiobjective Genetic Algorithm (MOGA) was used to optimize missile geometry. The front part of the body, the main body, and tailfins were improved to find an optimum missile model at supersonic speeds. The optimization results showed that a lift-to-drag coefficient ratio, which determines the performance of a missile, was improved about 11-17 percent at supersonic Mach numbers.

Assessment of different turbulence models on the large scale internal heated water pool natural convection simulation

In vessel retention (IVR) is treated as one of the strategies in the severe accident management aspect for the safety of nuclear reactor. The investigation of internal heated melt pool natural convection behavior is important for providing the reference for the IVR strategy. Various researchers conducted internal heated melt pool simulation with focusing on the different aspects and conditions. Based on the previous research, the large scale internal heated melt pool flow behavior located in the turbulence flow region and turbulence models used could affect the simulation result of the internal heated melt pool. Therefore, it is important to conduct the simulation of comprehensive assessment of different turbulence models on the melt pool simulation. In this work, the simulation of large scale internal heated water pool, which is one of the COPRA (COrium Pool Research Apparatus) water tests, is conducted by using ANSYS FLUENT 18.2. The large scale internal heated water pool transient behavior is investigated. The effect of various turbulence models on the internal heated water pool simulation is investigated. This work could provide better understanding of temperature distribution and velocity distribution of large scale internal heated water pool natural convection behavior from the numerical aspect. Based on the current simulation, Realizable k-epsilon turbulence model with the consideration of full buoyancy effects, RNG k-epsilon turbulence model with the consideration of full buoyancy effects, DES (Spalart-Allmaras) turbulence model and DES (SST k-omega) turbulence model are recommended for the simulation of large scale internal heated water pool. This work could bring the benefits for the further study on the numerical investigation of large scale internal heated water pool natural convection behavior.

Effect of fluid flow diversion and venturi size on drip irrigation fertilizer feeding system

Modeling and simulation studies of drip irrigation systems have been carried out to improve the fertilizer suction rate for the existing water flow rate of 20,000 litres per hour to the agricultural field. Venturi design (33 mm, 40 mm and 50 mm venturi inlet diameters) and water entry/exit modifications (90° inlet/outlet, 45° inlet & 90° outlet and 45° inlet/outlet) have been carried out in the models and the incompressible fluid flow is simulated in OpenFOAM 5.0 using the simpleFoam solver and realizable K-epsilon (k-ε) turbulence model. Mesh refinement level of (4, 5) was used which is considered as medium grid size. The results are validated using real time experimental setup in the agricultural field. In all the selected conditions, the throat velocity increases linearly with increase in pressure drop and with some variations in the flow distribution. The simulated results obtained for various design conditions using OpenFOAM software satisfies the real time experimental outputs and the 45° entry/exit angle coupled with 33 mm inlet diameter venturi yields the maximum suction rate at the lowest pressure difference.

Effects of Flow Oscillations in the Mainstream on Film Cooling

The objective of this study is to investigate the effects of oscillations in the main flow and the coolant jets on film cooling at various frequencies (0 to 2144 Hz) at low and high average blowing ratios. Numerical simulations are performed using LES Smagorinsky–Lilly turbulence model for calculation of the adiabatic film cooling effectiveness and using the DES Realizable k-epsilon turbulence model for obtaining the Stanton number ratios (St/Sto). Additionally, multi-frequency inlet velocities are applied to the main and coolant flows to explore the effects of multi-frequency unsteady flows and the results are compared to those at single frequencies. The results show that at a low average blowing ratio (M = 0.5) if the oscillation frequency is increased from 0 to 180 Hz, the effectiveness decreases and the Stanton number ratio increases. However, when the frequency goes from 180 to 268 Hz, the effectiveness sharply increases and the Stanton number ratio increases slightly. If the frequency changes from 268 to 1072 Hz, the film cooling effectiveness decreases and the Stanton number ratio increases slightly. If the frequency goes from 1072 to 2144 Hz, the film cooling effectiveness climbs up and the Stanton number ratio decreases. The results show that at high average blowing ratio (M = 1.0) the trends of the film cooling effectiveness are similar to those at low blowing ratio (M = 0.5) except from 0 to 90 Hz. If the frequency goes from 0 to 90 Hz at M = 1.0, the film cooling effectiveness increases and the Stanton number ratio decreases. It can be said that it is important to include the effects of oscillating flows when designing film cooling systems for a gas turbine.

Numerical Investigation of Acoustics Performance of Low- Pressure Ducted Axial Fan by Using Different Turbulence Models

In this article, capacity and acoustics parameters of low pressure ducted axial fan is numerically investigated with Realizable k-epsilon, k-w SST and DES turbulence models by using computational fluid dynamics software. One slice of six bladed axial fan operating at 3000 RPM is simulated periodically as low pressure ducted axial ventilation fan. Simulations are run for operating point on the performance curve for each turbulence models. Investigation of acoustics parameters are obtained Ffowcs-Williams Hawkings acoustic model to calculate sound pressure levels for related frequencies. Numerical results are compared with the experimental results provided from blade manufacturer company.

CFD analysis on effect of front windshield angle on aerodynamic drag

The external aerodynamics plays an important role in the design process of any automotive. The whole performance of the vehicle can be improved with the help of external aerodynamics. The aerodynamic analysis nowadays is implemented in the recent research in the automotive industry to achieve better cars in terms of design and efficiency. The major objective of the present work is to find out the effect of changing the angle between the engine hood and the front windshield on reducing the car air resistance. A full scale three dimensional (BMW 3 series) sedan car model was carried out using the ALIAS AUTOSTUDIO 2016 a NURBS modeling tool with high quality surfaces, only the external shape of the car was modeled while the interior was not modeled. The ANSYS 17.0 WORKBENCH software package was used to analyse the airflow around the external shape of the car – the solutions of Reynolds Average Navier Stokes (RANS) equations has been carried out using realizable k-epsilon turbulence model (which is perfectly suitable for the automated calculation process) for the given car domain. In this work, the boundary layer, mesh quality, and turbulent value simulation has been compared and discussed in the result section. Finally the optimal model was selected and the redesigned car was analysed to verify the results.

Thermal performance of a concrete column as a sensible thermal energy storage medium and a heater

A square sectioned concrete column was constructed with its real dimensions in order to investigate the thermal performance of the concrete column which is proposed to be used as a heater and thermal energy storage medium in the building structure. For this purpose, a steel pipe was inserted in the lengthwise of the concrete column for air flow to store thermal energy from heated air to concrete column. Thermal performance of the column was investigated experimentally for various air flow temperatures and velocities as a function of operation time. Results of a week showed that concrete column can be used as a heater and also thermal energy storage medium in the building structure. In addition, it was shown that amount of heat released from concrete column can be controlled by air flow temperature, flow velocity and energy charging time. Investigated concrete column was also modeled three-dimensional by a CFD code and transient numerical results were validated by experimental results. The obtained high agreement with realizable k-epsilon turbulence model showed that CFD codes could be used for pre-calculations of the experiments and for numerical modeling of multi-story building with this novel heating system that is hard and expensive to study experimentally.