University of Puerto Rico – Mayaguez
INGE 4016: Fluid Mechanics Laboratory
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)
Second semester 2021 - 2022
This assignment seeks that the student compares analytical solution, numerical simulation, and
experimental observations of a cylindrical convergent section of a pipe. The experimental observations
were acquired previously from the obstruction flowmeters practice for a conic section (i.e., Venturi tube).
Draw the pipe mesh following the video-tutorial “VenturiMeshing”, the geometry has dimensions
according to the equipment used in that practice.
The assignment contains two sections, first, a simulation with laminar conditions, and second,
simulation of turbulent regime in order to compare it with experimental observations.
1. Laminar Regime
Assume a Reynolds (Re) number at outlet of 20. Calculate the average velocity at the inlet and set
the initial condition with the obtained value. Assume the same “Physics Model” as flow-in-a-pipe
simulation, CFD session 2. Use density and kinematic viscosity of 1000 kg/m 3 and 1×10-5 m2/s
respectively.
a. Find the theoretical expression for steady state and fully develop velocity profile for sections of
the pipe with uniform diameter. Draw line probes at x=[ 2 ,26 ,50 , 62.5 , 75 ,99 , 123 ] mm and
analyze changes in those velocity profiles. Depict all of them in the same plot by exporting the
data as csv file. Do not use the default plot of Star CCM+.
b. Calculate the wall shear stress for the uniform sections and compare these values with the
simulation results.
c. Plot the centerline velocity distribution along the pipe. What does the theory predict?
d. Plot the centerline pressure distribution along the pipe and compare it with theoretical values.
e. Obtain the scalar and vector field for velocity and observe if there exists an inviscid core at the
entrance. Determine the theoretical entrance length and compare.
2. Turbulent Regime
In this section, experimental observations and numerical simulation results can be compared.
Calculate the Re number for all observations in the flowmeter obstruction practice and determine if they
apply for laminar or turbulent regimes. For turbulent ones you must select in “ Physics model”:
axisymmetric, steady, liquid, segregated flow, constant density, turbulent, and κ−ϵ turbulence. The
material properties (i.e., dynamic viscosity and density) should be the same as the observed ones in the
laboratory. Select in this case mass flow inlet and use the experimental values. From the practice in
laboratory you should have 10 observations; therefore, 10 simulations with different initial conditions
must be performed. Remember that the software takes the initial values of mass flow at the inlet as a
value for angular unit, since the mesh provided is defined in 2 dimensions. Then, introduce the observed
value divided by 2 π .
a. Plot the velocity profiles at x= [ 25 , 62.5 ,100 ] mm and compare with theoretical values
computed by Power-Law (section 8 Introduction to Fluid Mechanics by Cengel & Cimbala 7 th
ed.). Figure 1 should be useful.
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Figure 1. Exponent n , for power-law velocity profiles.
b. Plot the centerline pressure distribution as a function of distance along the pipe and compare it
with experimental results of pressure drop in Venturi tube. Calculate the pressure drop at
centerline along the pipe using the Bernoulli’s equation and compare it with simulation and
experimental results. Is this approach correct?
c. Plot the centerline velocity along the pipe and compare it with your experimental values. Depict
in the same plot the 10 configurations according to the experimental observations.
3. Explain and discuss
a. Analyze the residuals plot. What do they indicate?
NOTE: Prepare your report including abstract, results, and relevant conclusions. The discussion must
be immersed in each item of the results section.
Generate your own graphics using any software different from STAR-CCM+, i.e., do not use snipping
tool or print screen.
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