A Computational Fluid Dynamics Comparison of Wells Turbine Blades in 2D and 3D Cascade Flow

Author(s):  
John Daly ◽  
Patrick Frawley ◽  
Ajit Thakker

This paper deals with the application of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to the analysis of the aerodynamic characteristics of symmetrical airfoil blades in 2-Dimensional cascade flow. Theoretical two dimensional cascade analyses of Wells Turbines blade profiles have been used in the past to predict the performance of three-dimensional turbines. The use of two-dimensional cascade models is beneficial as it allows the analysis and optimisation of the blade profile with approximately one tenth the computational requirements of a three-dimensional model. The primary objective of this work was to provide further validation of the use of two dimensional cascade models by comparing the computational predictions with traditional theoretical calculation results and also with three-dimensional turbine results. A secondary objective was to use the two dimensional cascade models to better understand the blade interaction effects that occur in the Wells Turbine. The model was used to analyse and compare three different blade profiles at different cascade settings. This paper presents the results of the numerical investigation, the validation of the results and the subsequent analysis.

2003 ◽  
Vol 125 (1) ◽  
pp. 158-165 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Ashrafizadeh ◽  
G. D. Raithby ◽  
G. D. Stubley

This paper describes a method for calculating the shape of duct that leads to a prescribed pressure distribution on the duct walls. The proposed design method is computationally inexpensive, robust, and a simple extension of existing computational fluid dynamics methods; it permits the duct shape to be directly calculated by including the coordinates that define the shape of the duct wall as dependent variables in the formulation. This “direct design method” is presented by application to two-dimensional ideal flow in ducts. The same method applies to many problems in thermofluids, including the design of boundary shapes for three-dimensional internal and external viscous flows.


2005 ◽  
Vol 98 (3) ◽  
pp. 970-980 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caroline van Ertbruggen ◽  
Charles Hirsch ◽  
Manuel Paiva

We have studied gas flow and particle deposition in a realistic three-dimensional (3D) model of the bronchial tree, extending from the trachea to the segmental bronchi (7th airway generation for the most distal ones) using computational fluid dynamics. The model is based on the morphometrical data of Horsfield et al. (Horsfield K, Dart G, Olson DE, Filley GF, and Cumming G. J Appl Physiol 31: 207–217, 1971) and on bronchoscopic and computerized tomography images, which give the spatial 3D orientation of the curved ducts. It incorporates realistic angles of successive branching planes. Steady inspiratory flow varying between 50 and 500 cm3/s was simulated, as well as deposition of spherical aerosol particles (1–7 μm diameter, 1 g/cm3 density). Flow simulations indicated nonfully developed flows in the branches due to their relative short lengths. Velocity flow profiles in the segmental bronchi, taken one diameter downstream of the bifurcation, were distorted compared with the flow in a simple curved tube, and wide patterns of secondary flow fields were observed. Both were due to the asymmetrical 3D configuration of the bifurcating network. Viscous pressure drop in the model was compared with results obtained by Pedley et al. (Pedley TJ, Schroter RC, and Sudlow MF. Respir Physiol 9: 387–405, 1970), which are shown to be a good first approximation. Particle deposition increased with particle size and was minimal for ∼200 cm3/s inspiratory flow, but it was highly heterogeneous for branches of the same generation.


2018 ◽  
Vol 42 (2) ◽  
pp. 128-135 ◽  
Author(s):  
S Horb ◽  
R Fuchs ◽  
A Immas ◽  
F Silvert ◽  
P Deglaire

NENUPHAR aims at developing the next generation of large-scale floating offshore vertical-axis wind turbine. To challenge the horizontal-axis wind turbine, the variable blade pitch control appears to be a promising solution. This article focuses on blade pitch law optimization and resulting power and thrust gain depending on the operational conditions. The aerodynamics resulting from the implementation of a variable blade pitch control are studied through numerical simulations, either with a three-dimensional vortex code or with two-dimensional Navier-stokes simulations (two-dimensional computational fluid dynamics). Results showed that the three-dimensional vortex code used as quasi-two-dimensional succeeded to give aerodynamic loads in very good agreement with two-dimensional computational fluid dynamics simulation results. The three-dimensional-vortex code was then used in three-dimensional configuration, highlighting that the variable pitch can enhance the vertical-axis wind turbine power coefficient ( Cp) by more than 15% in maximum power point tracking mode and decrease it by more than 75% in power limitation mode while keeping the thrust below its rated value.


Author(s):  
Oscar Darío Monsalve Cifuentes ◽  
Jonathan Graciano Uribe ◽  
Diego Andrés Hincapié Zuluaga

In this work, a 76 mm diameter propeller-type turbine is numerically investigated using a parametric study and computational fluid dynamics. The three-dimensional model of the turbine is modeled using data available in the bibliography. A mesh independence study is carried out utilizing a tetrahedron-based mesh with inflation layers around the turbine blade and the pipe wall. The best efficiency point is determined by the maximum hydraulic efficiency of 64.46 %, at a flow rate of 9.72x10-3 m3/s , a head drop of 1.76 m, and a mechanical power of 107.83 W. Additionally, the dimensionless distance y+, pressure, and velocity contours are shown.


2004 ◽  
Vol 126 (4) ◽  
pp. 794-802 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dong-Chun Choi ◽  
David L. Rhode

A new approach for employing a two-dimensional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model to approximately compute a three-dimensional flow field such as that in a honeycomb labyrinth seal was developed. The advantage of this approach is that it greatly reduces the computer resource requirement needed to obtain a solution of the leakage for the three-dimensional flow through a honeycomb labyrinth. After the leakage through the stepped labyrinth seal was measured, it was used in numerically determining the value of one dimension (DTF1) of the simplified geometry two-dimensional approximate CFD model. Then the capability of the two-dimensional model approach was demonstrated by using it to compute the three-dimensional flow that had been measured at different operating conditions, and in some cases different distance to contact values. It was found that very close agreement with measurements was obtained in all cases, except for that of intermediate clearance and distance to contact for two sets of upstream and downstream pressure. The two-dimensional approach developed here offers interesting benefits relative to conventional algebraic-equation models, particularly for evaluating labyrinth geometries/operating conditions that are different from that of the data employed in developing the algebraic model.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. 1709
Author(s):  
Erick Johnson ◽  
Theodore Petersen ◽  
Darla M. Goeres

Shearing stresses are known to be a critical factor impacting the growth and physiology of biofilms, but the underlying fluid dynamics within biofilm reactors are rarely well characterized and not always considered when a researcher decides which biofilm reactor to use. The CDC biofilm reactor is referenced in validated Standard Test Methods and US EPA guidance documents. The driving fluid dynamics within the CDC biofilm reactor were investigated using computational fluid dynamics. An unsteady, three-dimensional model of the CDC reactor was simulated at a rotation rate of 125 RPM. The reactor showed turbulent structures, with shear stresses averaging near 0.365 ± 0.074 Pa across all 24 coupons. The pressure variation on the coupon surfaces was found to be larger, with a continuous 2–3 Pa amplitude, coinciding with the baffle passage. Computational fluid dynamics was shown to be a powerful tool for defining key fluid dynamic parameters at a high fidelity within the CDC biofilm reactor. The consistency of the shear stresses and pressures and the unsteadiness of the flow within the CDC reactor may help explain its reproducibility in laboratory studies. The computational model will enable researchers to make an informed decision whether the fluid dynamics present in the CDC biofilm reactor are appropriate for their research.


2010 ◽  
Vol 53 (2) ◽  
pp. 436-442 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Almeida Marinho ◽  
Victor Machado Reis ◽  
João Paulo Vilas-Boas ◽  
Francisco Bessone Alves ◽  
Leandro Machado ◽  
...  

The purpose of this study was to develop a three-dimensional digital model of a human hand and forearm to apply Computational Fluid Dynamics to propulsion analysis in swimming. Computer tomography scans of the hand and forearm of an Olympic swimmer were applied. The data were converted, using image processing techniques, into relevant coordinate input, which could be used in Computational Fluid Dynamics software. From that analysis, it was possible to verify an almost perfect agreement between the true human segment and the digital model. This technique could be used as a means to overcome the difficulties in developing a true three-dimensional model of a specific segment of the human body. Additionally, it could be used to improve the use of Computational Fluid Dynamics generally in sports and specifically in swimming studies, decreasing the gap between the experimental and the computational data.


2012 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 55-62 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Novais ◽  
António Silva ◽  
Vishveshwar Mantha ◽  
Rui Ramos ◽  
Abel Rouboa ◽  
...  

The Effect of Depth on Drag During the Streamlined Glide: A Three-Dimensional CFD AnalysisThe aim of this study was to analyze the effects of depth on drag during the streamlined glide in swimming using Computational Fluid Dynamics. The Computation Fluid Dynamic analysis consisted of using a three-dimensional mesh of cells that simulates the flow around the considered domain. We used the K-epsilon turbulent model implemented in the commercial code Fluent® and applied it to the flow around a three-dimensional model of an Olympic swimmer. The swimmer was modeled as if he were gliding underwater in a streamlined prone position, with hands overlapping, head between the extended arms, feet together and plantar flexed. Steady-state computational fluid dynamics analyses were performed using the Fluent® code and the drag coefficient and the drag force was calculated for velocities ranging from 1.5 to 2.5 m/s, in increments of 0.50m/s, which represents the velocity range used by club to elite level swimmers during the push-off and glide following a turn. The swimmer model middle line was placed at different water depths between 0 and 1.0 m underwater, in 0.25m increments. Hydrodynamic drag decreased with depth, although after 0.75m values remained almost constant. Water depth seems to have a positive effect on reducing hydrodynamic drag during the gliding. Although increasing depth position could contribute to decrease hydrodynamic drag, this reduction seems to be lower with depth, especially after 0.75 m depth, thus suggesting that possibly performing the underwater gliding more than 0.75 m depth could not be to the benefit of the swimmer.


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