Modelling and Simulation of flow through flowbench in Solidworks

Aim: To model the fluid flow through a flowbench with a valve and analysing the results obtained.

Background:

A flowbench is a device used for testing internal aerodynamic qualities of an engine component. It is mainly used for testing intake and exhaust ports.

Here, we are using a generalised flow bench geometry to understand flow patterns through it. A valve is also added to show the flow trajectories around the valve. 

The end result will be to understand the effect of mass flow rate on various valve lifts.

Proedure:

1. Create any flow bench geometry in a 100x100x100 enclosure. Ensure there is a 90 bend pipe.
   
2. Create a valve with the same OD as the ID of the pipe outlet into the tank.
3. Proceed to the flow simulation wizard and set up an internal flow simulation, keeping all data constant.
4. Add a total pressure inlet of 2 atm at the pipe inlet and static pressure outlet of 1 atm at the base of the tank.
5. Choose a value for the global mesh. Here, the value chosen is 5.
   
6. Also create a local mesh in the pipe and valve region of more density for better results. Here, due to processor limitations, he value of local mesh is set to 5. Choosing 1 higher than the global mesh will yield good results.
   
7. Add 3 goals:
   • Mass flow rate (global goal)
   • Mass flow rate at outlet of the tank (surface goal)
   • Force on valve (surface goal)
8. Run the base line simulation (Valve lift = random).
9. Create a parametric study for mass flow rate vs valve lift.
   • Starting with a valve lift of 0.001, take 10 values.
     
   • Add all goals, velocity cut plot, pressure cut plot and flow trajectories of velocity and pressure.
   • Ensure that the flow trajectories are selected for all faces and lids, and for 200 points.
   • Run the parametric study for all 10 trials.

Results:

Baseline simulation:

Velocity Cut plot:

Pressure cut plot:

Flow trajectories (velocity):

Flow trajectories (Pressure):

Parametric study summary:

Goal values:

1. Valve Lift 0.001 mm:
   
   
   
   
2. Valve lift 0.002 mm:
   
   
   
   
3. Valve lift 0.003 mm:
   
   
   
   
4. Valve lift 0.004 mm:
   
   
   
   
5. Valve Lift 0.005 mm:
   
   
   
   
6. Valve lift 0.006 mm:
   
   
   
   
7. Valve Lift 0.007 mm:
   
   
   
   
8. Valve lift 0.008 mm:
   
   
   
   
9. Valve lift 0.009 mm:
   
   
   
   
10. Valve lift 0.01 mm:
    
    
    
    

Conclusion:

1. As valve lift increases, mass flow rate increases. The reason for the negative sign and the dropping curve is due to fluid flow leaving the domain.
2. We also notice from the flow trajectories that after valve lift 0.004 mm, the fluid bounces around less, owing to more free flow of fluid due to increasing opening.