CFD turbulent fluid, discussion about pressure gradient

In summary, the simulation of an incompressible turbulent flow across a tube using OpenFoam resulted in a decrease in pressure after a sudden expansion, followed by an increase due to turbulent mixing and eventually reaching its original value at the outlet. This is in accordance with Bernoulli's equation, which states that as velocity decreases, pressure increases.
  • #1
Royni Abud
1
0
I simulated an incompressible turbulent flow across a tube. I managed to solve it using OpenFoam and the results seem to be right. However, I noted some vacuum pressure after the sudden expansion but can't figure out why the pressure decreases and then increases again. According to Bernoulli's equation, the pressure should increase as the velocity decrease. Could someone explain me why? Below are some details.

inlet velocity = 10 m/s
inlet pressure = 0 (gauge)
turbulent model used k-epsilon
kinematic viscosity = 1*10^-5 m2/s
Here are pressure field and velocity field respectively:

WhatsApp Image 2017-02-20 at 9.49.26 PM (1).jpeg
WhatsApp Image 2017-02-20 at 9.49.26 PM.jpeg
 
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  • #2
The decrease in pressure after the sudden expansion is due to the loss of kinetic energy associated with the rapid decrease in velocity. This decrease in velocity causes a decrease in pressure as per Bernoulli's equation. As the flow continues, the velocity and pressure increase again due to the turbulent mixing of the flow, which helps to recover some of the lost kinetic energy. The pressure then increases again until it reaches its original value at the outlet.
 

1. What is CFD turbulent fluid?

CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) turbulent fluid is a numerical method used to simulate and analyze turbulent flows in fluids. It involves solving complex equations and algorithms to predict the behavior of fluids under various conditions.

2. How is turbulence modeled in CFD simulations?

Turbulence is modeled in CFD simulations using various mathematical models and techniques, such as the Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) equations, large eddy simulation (LES), and direct numerical simulation (DNS). These models incorporate the effects of turbulence on the flow and help in predicting its behavior.

3. What is the significance of pressure gradient in CFD simulations?

Pressure gradient plays a crucial role in CFD simulations as it determines the direction and magnitude of fluid flow. It is the change in pressure per unit distance in a particular direction and can affect the velocity, turbulence, and overall behavior of the fluid.

4. How does CFD handle pressure gradient effects in turbulent fluid flow?

CFD uses pressure-velocity coupling algorithms to handle pressure gradient effects in turbulent fluid flow. These algorithms ensure that the pressure gradient is accurately represented in the simulation, which is essential for predicting the flow behavior and characteristics.

5. What are some challenges in CFD simulations of turbulent fluid flow?

Some of the major challenges in CFD simulations of turbulent fluid flow include accurately capturing the complex and chaotic nature of turbulence, dealing with the high computational costs and time requirements, and incorporating the appropriate turbulence models and numerical methods for different flow scenarios.

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