An Academic Project Report
On
ANALYSIS OF WATER DISTRIBUTION NETWORK OF AN AREA BY
EPANET SOFTWARE AND GOOGLE EARTH
Submitted by
22891A0103 CHENCHALA BHANU PRASAD
24895A0101 CHENNA RAHUL
24895A0109 YATAKARLA UDEEP SAMAY
24895A0117 POTTA RAJEEV RATHAN
Under the guidance of
Mr. M. JAYARAM, M.Tech
Assistant Professor
Subject Name: FLUID MECHANICS
Introduction
This project needed to investigate the effects of fluid flow due to sudden contractions and
sudden expansions of the pipe network. The purpose of this project is to demonstrate that
Bernoulli's equation cannot correspond to, and by comparing the results of experiments
involving sudden contraction and sudden expansion of with each other and with theoretical
data, these Predict how the liquid will behave in a situation. The experiments were conducted
in two different modes, one causing a sudden contraction of water through the tube and the
other causing a sudden swelling through the tube.
Minor losses in pipe systems occur due to fittings, valves, bends, and changes in diameter.
Unlike major losses, which are primarily caused by frictional effects along the length of a
pipe, minor losses arise from localized disruptions in the flow. These losses can significantly
affect the overall efficiency of a pipeline system, particularly in systems with many bends,
fittings, or valves.
In this analysis, we will perform both experimental and computational analyses of minor
losses in pipes using ANSYS to model fluid flow and compute the associated head losses due
to minor disruptions.
TheMain objectives of the Present Investigation are
To Understand the Effect the concept of Minor Losses and its effect on Pipe networks
Can understand the analysis of Experimental and Computational data by using Ansys
Software.
Topics Covered:
Minor Losses in Pipe Flow, Flow Through Pipes
Apparatus Required:
1. Minor Losses Experimental Setup
2. Pipe Line with Sudden Enlargement and Sudden Contraction
3. Water Supply
4. Power Supply
5. Ansys Software
Experimental analysis of minor losses:
In experimental setups, minor losses can be measured by observing the pressure drop across a
fitting or valve. Here’s how an experimental analysis is typically conducted:
a) Setup of the Experiment:
1. Pipe and Fittings Selection: Select pipes of known diameter, length, and material,
and include various fittings like elbows, valves, tees, etc.
2. Measurement Equipment: Use pressure sensors to measure the pressure drop across
each fitting, and flow rate sensors to measure the flow velocity.
3. Flow Conditions: Vary the flow rates using a flow meter and maintain controlled
conditions such as fluid type, temperature, and pressure.
b) Experimental Procedure:
1. Measure the initial pressure before the fitting or component.
2. Measure the pressure after the fitting.
3. Calculate the pressure drop ΔP using the difference in pressures.
4. Use the flow velocity V (calculated from the flow rate Q and pipe diameter) to
compute the minor head loss hminor
5. Compare the experimental results with theoretical values using standard K-values for
the given fittings.
Results from the experiment:
The minor loss hminor can be calculated for each fitting type. For example:
Computational Analysis Using ANSYS
ANSYS CFX or Fluent can be used to model and simulate the flow through pipes with
various fittings. The computational analysis provides more detailed insight into the flow
dynamics and allows the determination of the minor loss coefficient KKK for different
fittings.
a) Model Setup in ANSYS:
1. Geometry Creation: Create a 3D model of the pipe system, including the fitting or
valve. This can be done in ANSYS Design Modeler or imported from external CAD
software.
2. Mesh Generation: Generate a computational mesh for the geometry. The mesh
should be fine enough near the fittings to capture the flow disturbances accurately.
ANSYS Meshing or ICEM CFD can be used for this purpose.
3. Boundary Conditions: Apply boundary conditions at the inlet (velocity or mass flow
rate) and outlet (pressure or outflow). Define wall conditions (no-slip boundary) for
pipe walls.
4. Solver Setup: Choose the appropriate solver (e.g., ANSYS Fluent or CFX) and
define the properties of the fluid (e.g., water or air). The turbulence model (e.g., k-ε or
k-ω) should be selected based on the flow regime (turbulent or laminar).
b) Simulation and Results:
Velocity Profiles: Once the simulation is complete, visualize the velocity profiles
around the fitting or bend. This helps to understand how the flow is disturbed at the
fitting.
Pressure Drop: Calculate the pressure drop across the fitting by extracting the
pressure data from the inlet and outlet faces. This pressure drop is then used to
compute the minor head loss.
Loss Coefficient K: The loss coefficient can be derived by comparing the simulated
pressure drop with the theoretical velocity-based formula:
h = KV2/2g
c) Post-Processing and Comparison:
Flow Visualization: Use ANSYS Post Processing to visualize flow patterns and
vortices in regions of high turbulence, particularly in bends or at changes in pipe
diameter.
