final mini project
final mini project
BELAGAVI–590018
LAKSHMIKANTH G. 4RA21ME005
DARSHAN H. K. 4RA22ME402
KARTHIK K. Y. 4RA22ME407
Under the guidance of
Mr. HANOCA P.
Assistant Professor
CERTIFICATE
__________________________
Mr. HANOCA P.
Assistant Professor
Dept. of Mechanical Engineering
__________________________ __________________________
Dr. KULDEEP B. Dr. MAHESH P. K.
Associate Professor & Head Principal
Dept. of Mechanical Engineering
1. __________________________ __________________________
2. __________________________ __________________________
ABSTRACT
This mini project, "Study of Thermal Behavior of a Turbulent Fluid Flow in a Pipe
Using CFD," focuses on understanding the thermal behavior of turbulent fluid flow in
pipes, which is crucial for various engineering applications. The study investigates the heat
transfer characteristics of turbulent flow through both experimental measurements and
computational simulations. The experimental setup involves measuring temperature
profiles along the pipe length under varying flow rates and fluid properties. The results
highlight the significant influence of Reynolds number on heat transfer rates and thermal
boundary layers. Furthermore, the study examines the validity of empirical correlations for
heat transfer coefficients in turbulent flow regimes. Insights gained from this research
contribute to optimizing heat exchanger designs and enhancing thermal efficiency in
industrial processes.
The purpose of this mini project is to investigate steady, incompressible fluid flow and to
familiarize with CFD. Simulations were conducted using ANSYS FLUENT CFD 19.2
software to observe the effects of changes in velocity and temperature profiles due to
variations in viscosity.
In this study, we analyze the behavior of different fluids, including oil, air, and liquid metal,
at a velocity of 0.146 m/s. Our investigation reveals that oil exhibits an early development
in its velocity profile compared to air and liquid metal. Furthermore, when examining the
temperature profiles, it is observed that liquid metal has a higher thermal conductivity
compared to oil and air. These findings highlight the distinct flow and thermal
characteristics of each fluid, contributing to a deeper understanding of their applications in
various engineering and industrial processes.
i
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Apart from the efforts of us, the success of this mini-Project depends largely on the
encouragement and guidelines of many. We take this opportunity to express our gratitude
to the people who have been instrumental in the successful completion of this mini-
Project.
We express immense gratitude to our guide Mr. Hanoca P., Assistant Professor,
Department of Mechanical Engineering, RIT, Hassan for having extended his priceless
technical expertise. We also thank him for his patient thoughtful guidance and also for his
most generous support and encouragement towards the development of the mini-Project.
We express our sincere thanks to Dr. Kuldeep B., Associate Professor, Head and Project
Coordinator, Department of Mechanical Engineering, RIT, Hassan for his valuable
encouragement and support in carrying out the mini-Project by providing all the facilities.
We convey our gratitude to Dr. Mahesh P.K., Principal, RIT, Hassan for his kind
encouragement.
We would like to thank our Parents and Friends for their constant encouragement in
carrying out this mini project.
LAKSHMIKANTH G. [4RA21ME402]
DARSHAN H. K. [4RA22ME402]
KARTHIK K. Y. [4RA22ME407]
ii
DECLARATION
We, Mr. LAKSHMIKANTH G., Mr. DARSHAN H.K., and Mr. KARTHIK K.Y.,
bearing University Seat Number’s 4RA21ME005, 4RA22ME402, and 4RA22ME407,
student’s, Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering, hereby declare that this
mini project entitled “STUDY OF THERMAL BEHAVIOR OF A TURBULENT
FLUID FLOW IN A PIPE USNG CFD” has been carried out by us under the guidance
of Mr. HANOCA P., Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Rajeev
Institute of Technology, Hassan for partial fulfillment of the degree of Bachelor of
Engineering in Mechanical Engineering of Visvesvaraya Technological University,
Belagavi. We also declare that we have not submitted this mini-Project to any other
university for the award of any degree.
Date:
Place; Hassan
LAKSHMIKANT G. [4RA21ME402]
DARSHAN H. K. [4RA22ME402]
KARTHIK K. Y. [4RA22ME407]
iii
CONTENTS
Title Page
Certificate
Abstract ⅰ
Acknowledgement ⅱ
Declaration ⅲ
Contents ⅳ-v
List of Figures vi
List of Table vii
Chapter
1. Introduction 1-3
3. Problem Formulation 6
3.1 Objectives 6
3.2 Methodology 6
iv
4.5.7 Performing the Simulation 12
References 36
v
List of Figure
Fig No. Particulars Page No.
vi
List of Table
Table no. Particular Page no.
vii
Study of the Thermal Behavior of the Turbulent Fluid Flow in a Pipe Using CFD
Chapter 1
INTRODUCTION
The study of fluid flow and heat transfer characteristics in pipes is fundamental to numerous
engineering applications, ranging from industrial processes to HVAC systems and energy
production. Among the various flow regimes encountered in conduits, turbulent flow stands
out due to its complex dynamics and enhanced mixing capabilities, which significantly
influence heat transfer rates.
This study aims to investigate the thermal behavior of turbulent fluid flow in pipes through
a combination of numerical simulations and experimental measurements. Specifically, the
research focuses on analyzing heat transfer mechanisms, turbulence modelling techniques
(such as k-epsilon and LES), and the impact of flow parameters (e.g., Reynolds number,
inlet temperature) on thermal performance. By elucidating these relationships, the study
seeks to enhance our understanding of turbulent heat transfer phenomena and provide
practical insights for optimizing thermal systems in engineering applications.
Understanding the flow and thermal characteristics of fluids in pipes is crucial in various
engineering applications, including HVAC systems, chemical processing, and energy
production. Traditional analytical methods often fall short in providing comprehensive
details due to the complexity of fluid behavior. CFD, a powerful simulation tool, enables
detail visualization and analysis, leading to better design and optimization of fluid.
The boundary layer as shown in the Fig. 1.1, is a special region starting at a surface and
extending some distance away from that surface. The existence of the velocity boundary
layer originates mainly from the shear forces that individual particles of the fluid exert on
one another. The existence of the thermal boundary layer comes from the basic principle
of heat transfer, that energy flows from warmer to cooler locations within or between
masses. Another important contributor to boundary layer theory is the fact that particles
extremely near the surface of a plate experiencing flow over it will have a presumed velocity
of zero. This means that there is a region between the surface of the plate and the fully
developed region where the velocity of the fluid grows from zero to the free stream velocity.
This region is known as the boundary layer.
There are actually several types of boundary layers, the two main types are velocity and
thermal. The velocity boundary layer transitions from a velocity of zero to the free stream
velocity. The thermal boundary layer begins at the surface of the plate and rises (or falls) to
meet the free stream temperature of the fluid. Both layers overlap at the surface of the plate
but ultimately have different thicknesses.
For each layer there are also considerations to be made in regards to laminar vs. turbulent
flows. Depending on the dimensions of the surface fluid is travelling over or through, the
velocity, the density of the fluid and the dynamic viscosity of the fluid, either laminar,
turbulent or both flows will develop. In any case, the engineer must make careful
calculations because the behavior of the fluid under different conditions varies. The
pressure varies, the heat transfer rates vary, the thicknesses vary.
Reynold’s number is integral to the boundary layer calculations and as such it is of some
importance to consider the values obtained with respect to the types of flow being studied.
Flow through a tube produces laminar flow at Re ≤ 2100 and turbulent flow at Re ≥ 4000
with mixed conditions in between that range. But for a flat plate, the transition Reynolds
value is around 100,000, below that are laminar conditions and above that are turbulent
conditions. When analyzing a cylinder in external flow, Re ≤ 200,000 represents laminar
flow and turbulent flow occurs above that value. So beyond simply calculating the
Reynolds number, it is critical that the engineer understand the type of flow being analyzed
and the appropriate range of Reynold’s numbers, so that the correct equations can be used
based on the condition being laminar, turbulent or a mix of the two.
Fully developed flow is when both the velocity and the temperature in the fluid moving
over or through a surface are considered to be uniform. If the fluid velocity is 5 m/s, all
the fluid in the fully developed region will be travelling at presumably that exact speed.
The fully developed temperature is not necessarily going to be the initial temperature,
because often the surface and the fluid passing over it are different temperatures, causing
the fluid to either decrease or increase during its movement. In regards to the thermal
properties of the fluid, the term “fully developed” means that the fluid is now at essentially
the temperature of all the fluid not being affected by the temperature boundary layer.
Chapter 2
LITERATURE SURVEY
Lamsal and Abish. [1], experimented on analyzing pipe flow scenarios using
CFD, performing a comprehensive exploration of both laminar and turbulent flows.
His study focused on how fluid flows in pipes, examining the velocity and pressure
distributions. He concluded that the velocity at the inlet is uneven, with higher
velocity near the center. As the flow progresses, the velocity becomes more
uniform, eventually developing into a fully developed profile. This finding
highlights the transition from an uneven to a stable velocity distribution along the
pipe length, offering valuable insights into fluid dynamics within conduit systems.
Debtera et al. [2], experimented on CFD simulation and analysis of fluid flow in
a pipe, specifically investigating the effect of viscosity. Conducted using both
MATLAB and CFD, the study examined fluid flow properties with varying
viscosities. The research concluded that the 3D CFD model provided well-
validated results compared to MATLAB, particularly for high-viscosity fluids in
laminar flow. Additionally, the numerical results for velocity profile and pressure
drop showed good correspondence with MATLAB outcomes. These observations
indicated that CFD performance predictions were more accurate, offering a deeper
understanding of the hydrodynamic behaviors of fluids in relation to viscosity.
Such studies enhance the comprehension of fluid dynamics, aiding in the
optimization of fluid transport systems.
Rambhad et al. [3], performed experiment on heat transfer enhancement using
modified inserts (MIs) as vortex generators in pipe flow and conducted fluid flow
analysis using CFD. The MIs were fastened to the center rod and the circular wall
of the test pipe. The experiments were conducted with various pitch and diameter
ratios, evaluating the Nusselt number and friction factor at different Reynolds
numbers. They concluded that as the distance between the MIs increases, fluid
mixing becomes weaker, resulting in a decrease in the pitch and diameter ratio.
Conversely, the Nusselt number increases with enhanced fluid mixing, contributing
to a higher coefficient of heat transfer. These findings highlight the significant
impact of MI spacing on the efficiency of heat transfer in pipe flow.
Tirodkar et al. [4], experimented on the application of CFD analysis in fully
developed velocity and temperature flow fields through a pipe. The investigation
focused on the behavior of fluid flowing in a closed duct and its effects on velocity,
friction, and velocity profile. His study concluded that the axial velocity, mean
temperature, hydrodynamic entry length, and thermal entry length are found to be
closer to theoretical values.
Dutta et al. [5], experimented on Computational fluid dynamic (CFD) analysis of
single-phase turbulent flow was performed in a 90° pipe bend. After validation of
present model against existing experimental results, the influence of Reynolds
number on static pressure and velocity distributions at three different locations
throughout the bend were studied. The standard k-ε turbulence model has been
chosen for the present study. The results so obtained, are presented in graphical
form. It was found that the static pressure and velocity profile has a weak
dependency on Reynolds number. Present study provides results to characterize the
turbulent flow in 90° bend pipes.
C. Diyoke and U. Ngwaka. [6], experimented on the CFD analysis of fully
developed turbulent flow in a pipe with constrictions and obstacles. The study
investigated how water flows across a circular pipe containing obstacles and
compressible water flow across the pipe. The simulation utilized the standard two-
equation k-epsilon turbulence model of the Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes
equations. The boundary conditions included a uniform inlet velocity and zero
pascal at the pressure outlet. The researcher concluded that the pressure difference
is proportional to the flow rate and velocity, with velocity increasing as the length
of the pipe increases. These findings provide valuable insights into the behavior of
turbulent flow in pipes with constrictions, contributing to the optimization of fluid
transport systems.
S. S. Thakre and J.B Joshi. [7], experimented on CFD modelling of heat transfer
in turbulent flow, analyzing twelve versions of low Reynolds number models and
two low Reynolds number heat transfer scenarios. The study aimed to evaluate the
performance of these models in predicting heat transfer characteristics. The results
concluded that the LSO model of the k-epsilon and Reynolds stress models showed
overall good agreement with the experimental data. These findings highlight the
reliability and accuracy of these turbulence models in simulating heat transfer in
low Reynolds number turbulent flows, providing valuable insights for improving
CFD modelling techniques.
Chapter 3
PROBLEM FORMULATION
3.1 Objectives
To develop a numerical model of the fluid flow in a pipe using CFD software.
To simulate and analyze how fluids (liquids and gases) move and behave under
different Reynold’s numbers.
This study aims to provide detailed insights into the velocity distribution, pressure
drop, and temperature variations along the pipe.
3.2 Methodology
The project will use ANSYS Fluent, commercial CFD software, to simulate the turbulent
fluid flow in the pipe. The numerical model will be developed based on the governing
equations of fluid flow, and appropriate turbulence models will be selected to capture the
turbulence effects in the flow. The simulations will be performed for a different flow
condition.
Chapter 4
Fluid-
Fluid Mechanics Problem Comparison and analysis
Physics of Simulation
fluid
C Results
Navier-
Stokes
equations
F Computer
Program
Numerical Programming
Method
D language
Geometry Grids
Discretized
Form
The equations governing the fluid flow problem are the continuity (conservation of mass),
the Navier-Stokes (Conservation of Momentum), and the energy equations. These equations
form a system of coupled non-linear Partial Differential Equations (PDEs). Because of the
non-linear terms in these PDEs, analytical methods can yield very few solutions. In general,
closed form analytical solutions are possible only if these PDEs can be made linear, either
because non-linear terms naturally drop out (e.g., fully developed flows in ducts and flows
that are inviscid and irrotational everywhere) or because nonlinear terms are small compared
to other terms so that they can be neglected (e.g., creeping flows, small amplitude sloshing
of liquid etc.). If the non- linearities in the governing PDEs cannot be neglected, which is
the situation for most engineering flows, then numerical methods are needed to obtain
solutions.
CFD is the art of replacing the differential equation governing the Fluid Flow, with a set of
algebraic equations (the process is called discretization), which in turn can be solved with
the aid of a digital computer to get an approximate solution. The well-known discretization
methods used in CFD are Finite Difference Method (FDM), Finite Volume Method (FVM),
Finite Element Method (FEM), and Boundary Element Method (BEM).
Computational - Having to do with mathematics, computing.
Fluid Dynamics - The dynamics of things that flow.
The computational technologies enable us to study the dynamics of things that flow. Using
CFD, we can build a computational model that represents a system or device that we want
to study. We apply the fluid flow physics and chemistry to this virtual prototype, and the
software will output a prediction of the fluid dynamics and related physical phenomena.
Therefore, CFD is a sophisticated computationally-based design and analysis technique.
CFD software gives the power to simulate flows of gases and liquids, heat and mass
transfer, moving bodies, multiphase physics, chemical reaction, fluid-structure interaction
and acoustics through computer modelling. Using CFD software, we can build a “virtual
prototype” of the system or device that you wish to analyze and then apply real world
physics and chemistry to the model, and the software will provide us with images and data,
which predict the performance of that design. It is the science of predicting fluid flow, heat
transfer, mass transfer, chemical reactions, and related phenomena by solving the
mathematical equations which govern these processes using computational methods. CFD
is predicting what will happen, quantitatively, when fluids flow, often with the
complications of:
Simultaneous Flow of Heat.
Mass Transfer (e.g., perspiration, dissolution).
Phase Change (e.g., melting, freezing, boiling).
Chemical Reaction (e.g., combustion, rusting).
Department of Mechanical Engineering, RIT, Hassan 8
Study of the Thermal Behavior of the Turbulent Fluid Flow in a Pipe Using CFD
The body about which flow is to be analyzed requires modelling. This generally involves
modelling the geometry with a CAD software package. Approximations of the geometry
and simplifications may be required to allow an analysis with reasonable effort.
Concurrently, decisions are made as to the extent of the finite flow domain in which the
flow is to be simulated. Portions of the boundary of flow domain coincide with the surfaces
of the body geometry. Other surfaces are free boundaries over which flow enters or leaves.
The geometry and flow domain are modelled in such a manner as to provide input for the
grid generation.
If we have a complex domain, we can use unstructured grid. For example, Fig. 4.3, is an
air foil. The structure of air foil is very complex. The flow near the object is very important
and complex; we need very fine grid at this region. Far away from the air foil, the flow is
comparably simple, so we can use coarse grid.
Generally, unstructured grid is suitable for all geometries. It is very popular in CFD. The
disadvantage is that because the data structure is irregular, it is more difficult to describe
and store them.
Block structure grid is a compromising of structured and unstructured grid. The idea is,
firstly, divide the domain into several blocks, and then use different structured grids in
different blocks.
The strategy for performing the simulation involves determining such things as the use of
space-marching or time-marching, the choice of turbulence or chemistry model, and the
choice of algorithms.
A CFD codes generally requires that an input data file be created listing the values of the
input parameters consisted with the desired strategy. Further the grid file containing the grid
and boundary condition information is generally required. The files for the grid and initial
flow solution need to be generated.
The simulation is performed with various possible options for interactive or batch
processing and distributed processing.
The computed flow properties are then compared to results from analytic, computational,
or experimental studies to establish the validity of the computed results.
The sensitivity of the computed results should be examined to understand the possible
differences in the accuracy of results and / or performance of the computation with respect
to such things as:
Dimensionality
Flow conditions
Initial conditions
Marching strategy
Algorithms
Grid topology and density
Turbulence model
Chapter 5
Extrude: Use the Extrude button to create an extruded feature. The active sketch is the
default input but can be changed by selecting the desired sketch, a plane from face
boundary used features of Point features in the Tree Outline.
Normal: Extrudes in positive Z direction of base object.
Reversed: Extrudes in negative Z direction of base object.
Both-Symmetric: Applies feature in both directions.
Both-Asymmetric: Applies feature in both directions. Each direction has its own
extent and depth.
Sweep: The Details View can be used to change the modelling operations (Add, Cut,
Slice Imprint, or Add Frozen) and the alignment of the sweep. Solid, Surface, line
bodies, and thin-walled features can be created by using this feature. For creating a
surface body, the inner and outer thickness values should be kept equal to zero.
Fixed Radius: The Fixed Radius feature allows you to create blends on model edges.
This feature can be executed on both frozen and active bodies. This feature would only
a operate on active bodies.
Variable Radius: The Variable Radius feature allows you to blend features on model
edges. This feature can be executed on both frozen and active bodies.
Vertex Blend: The Vertex Blend feature allows you to create blends at vertices on
solid, surface or line bodies. This feature can be executed on both frozen and active
bodies.
The ANSYS Fluent serial solver manages file input and output, data storage and flow field
calculations using a single solver process on a single computer.
ANSYS Fluent parallel solver enables you to compute a solution using multiple processes
that may be executing on the same computer, or on different computers in a network.
ANSYS Fluent interacts with the host process and the collection of compute nodes using
the cortex user interface utility as shown in the Fig. 5.1
The ANSYS fluent serial solver manages file input and output, data storage and flow field
calculations using a single solver process on a single computer.
When in meshing mode ANSYS Fluent functions as a robust unstructured volume mesh
generator. When in solution mode Fluent allows to simulate the following.
Chapter 6
L=Dx0.44Re 1/6
For 10000RE
L=1x0.44(10000) 1/6
L=2.042m
similarly,
Ansys workbench automatically saves the geometry and updates the project
schematic accordingly.
6.3 Meshing
Meshing is the breaking of physical solution domain that can be a 2D or 3D domain
into simpler sub domain or element i.e. triangles, quadrilaterals for 2D and tetrahedral,
hexahedral for 3D. Meshing make the solution easier and more accurate. The denser
the meshing is more accurate the result will be but at the same time it will be more
complex to solve the problem. Meshing is probably the most important part in any of
computer simulations; because it can show the drastic changes in results you get (have
a first-Hand experience of this). Meshing means you to create a mesh of some grid
points called 'nodes'. It is done with a variety of tools and options available in the
software. The results are calculated by solving the relevant governing equations
numerically at each of the nodes of the mesh. The governing equations are almost
always partial differential equations, and finite element method is used to find
solutions to such equations. The pattern and relative positioning of the nodes also
effect the solution. The computational efficiency and time. This is why good meshing
is very essential for a sound computer simulation to give good results.
In blocking, go to pre-mesh parameters, select the edge, and set the number of
nodes, spacing to 0.01, and ratio to 1.1
Select the pre-mesh and perform meshing as shown in table 6.1
Name the respective faces as follows:
Pipe inlet
Pipe Outlet
15X15
CASE- A (70+50) 125116
20X20
CASE-B (70+50) 274756
22X22
CASE-C (70+50) 278752
Under "Materials" select "air, oil, liquid metal" under "Fluid" as shown in Fig. 6.4
click on the air and select the properties of the fluid, as shown in Fig. 6.5
Liquid metal
Properties Air Unused Oil
(Potassium)
Density (Kg/m3) 1.225 888 807.3
Thermal Conductivity
0.0242 0.1454 45
(W/m-K)
NOTE: The data are collected from “Heat and Mass Transfer data hand book”.
Go to boundary condition, select the thermal and give heat flux value as show in
Fig. 6.6
Run the iterations up to the point where all the residuals are constant as shown in
Fig. 6.8
Nu=0.023(10000)0.8 (0.744)0.4
ℎ𝐷
Nu= 𝐾
ℎ×1
32.38=0.0242
h = 0.78s W/m2K
CFD Calculation
Q=hA (𝑇𝑆 − 𝑇𝑏 )
Q
=q=h (𝑇𝑆 − 𝑇𝑏 )
A
𝑞 50
h= (𝑇 = (372.185−300)
𝑆 −𝑇𝑏 )
h = 0.6926 W/m2K
However, the experimental heat transfer coefficients for different geometries at a Reynolds
number of 10,000 vary. For example, in Case A (15x15), the value is 0.62 W/m²K. In Case
B(20x20), the value is 0.69 W/m²K, and in Case C(22x22), the value is 0.70 W/m²K.
For further study on different fluid flow conditions, we have chosen Case B at a Reynolds
number of 10,000. This decision is based on the fact that Case A has a significantly lower
value compared to the theoretical values, and Case C involves larger dimensions.
Therefore, Case B, with its value closer to the theoretical one, is considered the most
suitable for our study.
Chapter 7
At 10000RE
0.8
Diameter(m)
0.6
0.4
0.2
0
0 0.05 0.1 0.15 0.2 0.25
Velocity(m/s)
As shown in the Fig. 7.1, at position 5, the graph is flat, and the center line velocity at this
point is 0.165502 m/s. As the air moves to position 15, the center line velocity increases to
0.184239 m/s. At positions 25 and 29, the velocity profile becomes parabolic, with the
center line velocities reaching a maximum of 0.189524 m/s and 0.187919 m/s, respectively.
0.6
0.4
0.2
0
280 300 320 340 360 380
Temperature(celcius)
As shown in the Fig. 7.2, at position 25, the temperature profile is in the developing stage,
with a temperature of 300.01 Celsius and a diameter of 0.5 m. At position 29, the
temperature profile has developed into a parabolic curve, with a center line temperature of
300.323 Celsius.
At 20000RE
0.6
0.4
0.2
0
0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4
Velocity(m/s)
As shown in the Fig. 7.3, at position 5, the graph is flat, and the velocity is 0.321468 m/s.
As the air moves to position 15, the graph becomes parabolic, with a center line velocity of
0.354971 m/s. At positions 25 and 29, the graph remains parabolic, with center line
velocities of 0.369712 m/s and 0.366851 m/s, respectively.
0.8
Diameter(m)
0.6
0.4
0.2
0
290 300 310 320 330 340 350
Temperature(celsius)
As shown in the Fig. 7.4, at position 25, the temperature profile is in the developing stage,
with a temperature of 300.002 Celsius at diameter of 0.5 m. At position 29, the temperature
profile has developed into a parabolic curve, with a center line temperature of 300.103
Celsius.
At 30000
1
Diameter(m)
0.8
0.6
0.4
0.2
0
0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7
Velocity(m/s)
As shown in the Fig. 7.5, at position 5, the graph is flat, with a center line velocity of
0.50699 m/s. As the air moves to position 15, the graph becomes parabolic, and the center
line velocity increases to 0.579122 m/s. At positions 25 and 29, the graph becomes fully
developed and parabolic, with center line velocities of 0.567481 m/s and 0.56889 m/s,
respectively.
1
Diameter(m)
0.8
0.6
0.4
0.2
0
280 300 320 340 360 380
Temperature(celcius)
As shown in the Fig. 7.6, at position 25, the temperature profile is in the developing stage,
with a temperature of 300.01 Celsius at diameter of 0.5 m. At position 29, the temperature
profile has developed into a parabolic curve, with a center line temperature of
300.323Celsius.
At position 5m
0.8
0.6
0.4
0.2
0
0 0.05 0.1 0.15 0.2 0.25 0.3
Velocity(m/s)
As shown in the Fig. 7.7, at position 5, the air and liquid metal have a flat velocity profile,
with center line velocities of 0.154319 m/s and 0.165502 m/s, respectively. The oil, due to
its higher viscosity compared to air and liquid metal, has a fully developed profile with a
center line velocity of 0.26916 m/s.
At Position 15m
0.8
Diameter(m)
0.6
0.4
0.2
0
0 0.05 0.1 0.15 0.2 0.25 0.3
Velocity(m/s)
As show in in Fig. 7.8, the liquid metal and air have developing profiles with center line
velocities of 0.166154 m/s and 0.184234 m/s, respectively. In contrast, the oil does not
change its velocity profile because it is already fully developed at position 5 meters.
At Position 25m
0.8
Diameter(m)
0.6
0.4
0.2
0
0 0.05 0.1 0.15 0.2 0.25 0.3
Velocity(m/s)
As show in in Fig. 7.9, the air becomes parabolic and has a center line velocity of 0.19929
m/s. The liquid metal transitions from a flat profile to a parabolic one, obtaining a center
line velocity of 0.17633 m/s. In contrast, the oil does not change its velocity profile because
it is already fully developed at position 5 meters.
At Position 29m
1
Diameter(m)
0.8
0.6
0.4
0.2
0
0 0.05 0.1 0.15 0.2 0.25 0.3
Velocity(m/s)
As show in in Fig. 7.10, at this position, the air and liquid metal have developed velocity
profiles with a parabolic shape, having center line velocities of 0.189141 m/s and 0.179421
m/s, respectively. The oil has a center line velocity of 0.258271 m/s.
At Position 25m
1
Diameter (m)
0.8
0.6
0.4
0.2
0
280 300 320 340 360 380
Temperature (Celsius)
As show in in Fig. 7.11, at position 25, the air and oil have lower thermal conductivity,
resulting in less heat transfer and a developing temperature profile. In contrast, the liquid
metal has higher thermal conductivity, leading to faster heat exchange and a more advanced
temperature profile.
At Position 29m
0.8
Diameter(m)
0.6
0.4
0.2
0
280 300 320 340 360 380
Temperature(celsius)
As show in in Fig. 7.12, at position 29 meters, the air has a developed temperature profile
with less heat transfer, while the oil's temperature profile is still developing. In contrast, the
liquid metal has a high thermal conductivity, resulting in a fast heat exchange and a
temperature profile that appears as a straight line.
CONCLUSION
The CFD analysis of the turbulent fluid flow in a pipe for different fluids such as air, oil,
and liquid metal reveals distinct differences at a velocity of 0.146 m/s. The oil exhibits an
early-developed velocity profile, whereas both air and liquid metal display a more gradual
development stage-by-stage. This indicates that oil reaches a stable flow profile more
quickly than the other fluids. Regarding thermal conductivity, liquid metal outperforms
both oil and air significantly, demonstrating much faster heat transfer capabilities. In
contrast, air and oil show lower thermal conductivity, which affects their efficiency in heat
transfer applications. These findings highlight the superior performance of liquid metal in
both flow development and thermal conductivity compared to oil and air.
FUTURE SCOPE
For their study, researchers can vary the Reynolds numbers to understand the problems that
arise with different flow regimes. They can extend this research to complex geometries,
such as bends and junctions in pipes, to observe how flow behavior changes in these areas.
Additionally, they can investigate multiphase flows within pipes, which is particularly
relevant in the chemical and petrochemical industries. This can help in optimizing
processes, improving efficiency, and reducing potential issues in industrial applications.
REFERENCE
[1] Lamsal, Abish "Analyzing pipe flow scenarios using computational fluid dynamics
(CFD)." Int. J. Eng. Appl. Sci. Technol 8, no. 3 (2023): 162-166.
[2] Debtera, Baru, Venkatesa Prabhu Sundramurthy, and Ibsa Neme. "Computational
fluid dynamics simulation and analysis of fluid flow in pipe: Effect of fluid
viscosity." Journal of Computational and Theoretical Nanoscience 18, no. 3
(2021): 805-810.
[3] Rambhad, Kishor S., Vednath P. Kalbande, Manoj A. Kumbhalkar, Vivek W.
Khond, and Rahul A. Jibhakate. "Heat transfer and fluid flow analysis for turbulent
flow in circular pipe with vortex generator." SN Applied Sciences 3, no. 7 (2021):
709.
[4] Tirodkar, Siddhesh, and Siddappa Bhusnoor. "Application of CFD analysis in fully
developed Velocity and Temperature flow field through pipe."
[5] Dutta, Prasun, Sumit Kumar Saha, and Nityananda Nandi. "Computational study
of turbulent flow in pipe bends." International Journal of Applied Engineering
Research 10, no. 11 (2015): 2015.
[6] Diyoke, C., and U. Ngwaka. "CFD Analysis of a Fully Developed Turbulent Flow
in a Pipe with a Constriction and an Obstacle." Intl. J. Eng. Res. Technol 4 (2015):
2278-0181.
[7] Thakre, S. S., and J. B. Joshi. "CFD modeling of heat transfer in turbulent pipe
flows." AIChE journal 46, no. 9 (2000).
[8] C P Kothandaraman and S Subramanyam “Heat and mass transfer data book”.
(2022).