Author(s): Nuno M. C. Martins; Nelson J. G. Carrico; Didia I. C. Covas; Helena M. Ramos
Linked Author(s): Dídia Isabel Cameira Covas
Keywords: No Keywords
Abstract: The aim of the current paper is the mesh independence analysis of a three-dimensional (3-D) pressurized pipe flow using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modelling. A 3-D pipe flow model is drawn using a Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software for geometry definition which is then imported for mesh generation and flow simulation. Mesh independence analysis is carried out for the combination of three mesh generation parameters: i) Sweep in the axial direction; ii) Mesh Maximum Size (MMS) in the cylindrical direction; and iii) First Layer Thickness (FLT) in radial direction. Results obtained for velocity profiles are compared with those from exact and semi-empirical solutions for laminar and turbulent flows, respectively. Relative errors are computed. Most efficient meshes are obtained for laminar and turbulent flows by the compromise between the maximum accuracy and the minimum computational effort.
Year: 2014