Pipe Flow Simulation Using SolidWorks

Aim:

To run a pipe flow simulation using Solidworks with flow at inlet having Reynolds numbers of 100,1000 and 10,000.

Objective:

1. To create a pipe of suitable dimension.
2. To Place line probes at 95%, 90% and 85% of the pipe length for each cases of Reynolds numbers.
3. To Compare the normalized velocity profile at each of these locations
4. Then to normalize the velocity profile by the inlet velocity.

Theory:

Flow simulation is a form of computational fluid dynamics which digitally replicates flows in surface water or collection systems. 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 not limited to liquids and may be applied to gases as well. Flow simulation is especially useful in trenchless applications to predict how a system will behave in low and high use situations, such as dry vs. storm weather simulations for drainage systems.

Flow simulation can be used to identify and develop solutions and methods, as well as predict the effect of changes to a system. At times, however, the observed flow may differ from simulated flows. In these cases the estimated flow simulation needs to be updated with measured data. In trenchless technology, flow simulation may not be needed where there are no known flow problems or when problems are expected to be solved using techniques that do not impact the flow capacity or behavior of the system.

Formula:

In order to obtain the velocities with respect to various Reynolds numbers as provided in the challenge, The following formula is used

Here,

D = 20 mm

Therefore from using the formula,

Software Used:

Solidworks

Procedure:

1. Initially the pipe of 20 mm diameter and 1 meter length is created.
2. Then the shell is created with a thickness of 2 mm
3. And along the top plane three line probes at a distance of 85%, 90% and 95% of its entire length are created.
4. Then the lids are created on both the inlet and outlet of the pipe.
5. Then the boundary condition for the inlet flow, outlet flow and the wall of the pipe are added one by one.
6. The velocity at the inlet is set based on the Reynolds number using the formula.
7. Then the mesh is set up as required
8. Later the xy plots and cut plots are added to the simulation.
9. Then a new parametric study is opened.
10. In the input values, the basic cells are selected.
11. In the output parameters, cut plots and XY plots are added.
12. Now in the scenarios tab the values are copy-pasted and the mesh values are changed to higher values.
13. Then the simulation is Run.

Outputs:

Case 1: When Reynold's number = 100 i.e., Velocity =0.00445 m/s :

1. At 85% of the length of the pipe:

2. At 90% of the length of the pipe:

3. At 95% of the length of the pipe:

4. Combined velocity plot :

Case 2: When Reynold's number = 1000 i.e., Velocity =0.0445 m/s :

1. At 85% of the length of the pipe:

2. At 90% of the length of the pipe:

3. At 95% of the length of the pipe:

4. Combined velocity plot :

Case 3: When Reynold's number = 10000 i.e., Velocity =0.445 m/s :

1. At 85% of the length of the pipe:

2. At 90% of the length of the pipe:

3. At 95% of the length of the pipe:

4. Combined velocity plot :

Part Link:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EDW2wcv5op_ua0QdbIEnGh4C1vvqLXd5/view?usp=sharing

References:

1. https://www.engineersrule.com/flow-simulation-basic-concepts/
2. https://byjus.com/reynolds-number-formula/

Conclusion:

The velocity profiles at 85,90 and 95 percent of the length is nearly the same. This is because the inlet of the pipe is very small and thereafter the velocity profile does not change much.

The velocity near the wall is zero and it increases towards the center due to the shear stress between the layers of fluid.

As the velocity increases based on the Reynolds number, the velocity profile becomes more flatter this is because when the flow becomes turbulent the fluid particles moves in a zig-zag manner and hence the effect of viscosity is reduced.