As one of the main types of dropshaft structure, vortex dropshaft is commonly used in hydropower stations, urban drainage systems and other water conservancy projects. Many scholars have conducted researches into hydraulic characteristics of this type of dropshaft. However, its flow patterns and mechanisms are still not clear. Consequently, a 3-D, steady, two-phase numerical model of vortex dropshaft is developed through FLUENT software, using volume of fluid (VOF) method to track the interface of air and liquid water. Four cases sharing the same geometry domain and boundary conditions with different inlet velocities have been studied. The specific flow patterns and formation mechanisms in the four cases are discussed in this study, and the influences of inlet velocity are investigated as well. The results show two negative pressure zones appearing at inlet and outlet connections threatening the structural safety, and it is important to optimize the structure design and control the inlet flow.
- Fluids Engineering Division
Numerical Study on Two-Phase Flow Patterns in Vortex Dropshaft
Wang, X, Zhang, J, Yu, X, & Chen, S. "Numerical Study on Two-Phase Flow Patterns in Vortex Dropshaft." Proceedings of the ASME 2017 Fluids Engineering Division Summer Meeting. Volume 1C, Symposia: Gas-Liquid Two-Phase Flows; Gas and Liquid-Solid Two-Phase Flows; Numerical Methods for Multiphase Flow; Turbulent Flows: Issues and Perspectives; Flow Applications in Aerospace; Fluid Power; Bio-Inspired Fluid Mechanics; Flow Manipulation and Active Control; Fundamental Issues and Perspectives in Fluid Mechanics; Transport Phenomena in Energy Conversion From Clean and Sustainable Resources; Transport Phenomena in Materials Processing and Manufacturing Processes. Waikoloa, Hawaii, USA. July 30–August 3, 2017. V01CT16A008. ASME. https://doi.org/10.1115/FEDSM2017-69206
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