Pipe flow simulation in SOLIDWORKS

Flow simulation in SOLIDWORKS

Introduction: Flow simulation is a form of computational fluid dynamics which digitally simulate fluid flows through and around a system. Performing flow simulation allows for the prediction and analysis of how a flow might be impacted by complex geometry in an operational environment. Flow simulation is especially useful in trenchless applications to predict how a system will behave in low and high use situations.Flow simulation can be used to identify and develop solutions and methods, as well as predict the effect of changes to a system.

Pipe flow is a type of liqiud flow within a closed conduit.Flow through pipes are roughly divided into two types:1) Laminar flow, 2) Turbulent flow.

Laminar flow occurs when the fluid flows in infinitesimal parallel layers with no disruption between them.Fluid layers flow smoothly parallel to each other with no eddies or swirls.The velocity profile for a laminar flow is parabolic in shape, with maximum velocity at the centre and it gradually decreases towards the wall.

Turbulent flow is characterised by chaotic change in pressure and flow velocity.The velocity profile for a turbulent flow is flat at the centre and it rapidly decreases near the wall.

Reynolds number is an important dimensionless quantity in fluid dynamics which helps to predict flow patterns in different fluid flow simulation.At low Reynolds numbers, flows tend to be dominated by laminar (sheet-like) flow, while at high Reynolds numbers turbulence results from differences in the fluid's speed and direction. It is defined as the ratio of inertial forces to viscous forces within a fluid.

`Re=(ρuL)/μ`

where:

• `ρ` is the density of the fluid
• `u` is the velocity of the fluid
• `L` is a characteristic linear dimension
• `μ` is the dynamic viscousity of the fluid

Objective: To run pipe flow simulation in Solidworks with inlet Reynolds number of 100,1000,10000 and to compare normalized velocity profile at 95%,90% and 85% of the pipe length.

Procedure:

1. Create a pipe with diameter of 0.04m, length of 1m and shell of 0.001m in sketch.
2. Create lid for the inlet and outlet of the pipe.
3. Boundary condition is defined: Inlet velocity is set for inlet lid, Static pressure of 101.325Pa for the outlet lid and the wall is real.
4. With all the boundaries condition set, the flow simulation is run.

Calculations:

Fluid properties:

Density(`ρ`)=1000Kg/m^3

Viscousity(`μ`)=8.94*10^-4 Pa.s

For the given Reynolds number we can calculate the inlet velocity

Sl.no Reynolds number Inlet velocity(m/s)

1. 100 0.00089
2. 1000 0.0089
3. 10000 0.089

Result:

1. For reynolds number 100 velocity profile at 95%,90% and 85% respectively of the pipe length.
2. For reynolds number 1000 velocity profile at 95%,90% and 85% respectively of the pipe length.
3. For reynolds number 10000 velocity profile at 95%,90% and 85% respectively of the pipe length.

Conclusion:

The velocity profile for reynolds numbers 100,1000 and 10000 at 95%,90% and 85% length of pipe are ploted.