Advances in simulation of gerotor pumps: An integrated approach

Author(s):  
Giorgio Altare ◽  
Massimo Rundo

The paper describes a multi-domain simulation of a gerotor oil pump. Three different analysis tools have been used in synergy to predict the pump flow rate, in both conditions of complete and incomplete filling, and the pressure ripple. The computational fluid dynamics software PumpLinx® has been used for the determination of the discharge coefficients, while a finite element model analysis performed with ANSYS® has allowed the evaluation of the deflection of the pump cover under the action of the delivery pressure. The data calculated with the 3D tools have been utilized as input for a lumped parameter model of the pump developed in LMS Amesim® with customized libraries. The aim of the study is to supply the guidelines for tuning the models using a reduced number of computational fluid dynamics simulations. The results collected in the experimental campaign have demonstrated that a lumped parameter approach can be suitable, if properly calibrated, to predict the pressure oscillations in conditions of defective filling. Moreover, it was found that the cover deflection has a significant importance not only on the leakages, but also on the pressure ripple.

Author(s):  
Shahab Taherian ◽  
Hamid Rahai ◽  
Jamie Shin ◽  
Jeremy Feldman ◽  
Thomas Waddington

In silico study of the relationships between flow conditions, arterial surface shear stress, and pressure was investigated in a patient with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), using multi-detector Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA) images and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). The CTA images were converted into 3D models and transferred to CFD software for simulations, allowing for patient-specific comparisons between in silico results with clinical right heart catheterization pressure data. The simulations were performed using two different methods of outlet boundary conditions: zero traction and lumped parameter model (LPM) methods. Outlet pressures were set to a constant value in zero traction method, which can produce flow characteristics solely based on the segmented distal arteries, while the lumped parameter model used a three-element Windkessel lumped model to represent the distal vasculature by accounting for resistance, compliance, and impedance of the vasculature. Considering existing limitations with both approaches, it was found that the lumped parameter Windkessel outlet boundary condition provides a better correlation with the clinical RHC pressure results than the zero traction constant pressure outlet boundary condition.


Author(s):  
Tiziano Ghisu ◽  
Francesco Cambuli ◽  
Pierpaolo Puddu ◽  
Irene Virdis ◽  
Mario Carta ◽  
...  

Abstract The hysteretic behavior of oscillating water column (OWC)-installed Wells turbines has been known for decades. The common explanation invokes the presence of unsteady aerodynamics due to the continuously varying incidence of the flow on the turbine blades. This phenomenon is neither new nor unique to Wells turbines, as an aerodynamic hysteresis is present in rapidly oscillating airfoils and wings, as well as in different types of turbomachinery, such as wind turbines and helicopter rotors, which share significant similarities with a Wells turbine. An important difference is the non-dimensional frequency: the hysteresis appears in oscillating airfoils only at frequencies orders of magnitude larger than the ones Wells turbines operate at. This work contains a re-examination of the phenomenon, using both computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and a lumped parameter model, and shows how the aerodynamic hysteresis in Wells turbines is negligible and how the often measured differences in performance between acceleration and deceleration are caused by the capacitive behavior of the OWC system. Results have been verified with respect to both spatial and temporal discretization, for unstalled and stalled operating conditions.


Author(s):  
Sulav Bastola ◽  
William D Paulson ◽  
Steven A Jones

The native arteriovenous fistula creates a shunt that provides the high blood flow that is needed for dialysis. Lumped parameter hemodynamic models of the arteriovenous fistula can be used to predict shear stresses and pressure losses and can be applied to help understand unsolved problems such as the high rate of arteriovenous fistula maturation failure. These models combine together flow components, such as arteries, stenosis, anastomoses, arterial compliance, and blood inertia, and each component must be modeled with an appropriate pressure–flow relationship. Poiseuille flow is generally assumed for straight vessels, but the unique high flow rates within the brachial artery of an arteriovenous fistula are expected to induce entry flow effects that are neglected in this model. To estimate the importance of these effects, brachial artery flow was modeled in a low-resistance network, such as the one that occurs when an arteriovenous fistula is constructed, through the lumped parameter model, and the predicted flow rates and pressures were compared to those predicted by computational fluid dynamics. When Poiseuille flow was assumed, the flow rate from the lumped parameter model was consistently larger than that from computational fluid dynamics, with a cycle-averaged error of 36.8%. When an entry flow model (Shah) was assumed, the lumped parameter–based flow was 6% lower than the computational fluid dynamics model at the peak of the flow waveform, and the cycle-averaged error was reduced to 7.8%. Thus, in a low-resistance (high flow) arteriovenous fistula circuit, an entry flow model can account for steeper near-wall velocity gradients. This result can provide a useful guide for designing engineering models of the arteriovenous fistula.


Author(s):  
Jordan Musser ◽  
Ann S Almgren ◽  
William D Fullmer ◽  
Oscar Antepara ◽  
John B Bell ◽  
...  

MFIX-Exa is a computational fluid dynamics–discrete element model (CFD-DEM) code designed to run efficiently on current and next-generation supercomputing architectures. MFIX-Exa combines the CFD-DEM expertise embodied in the MFIX code—which was developed at NETL and is used widely in academia and industry—with the modern software framework, AMReX, developed at LBNL. The fundamental physics models follow those of the original MFIX, but the combination of new algorithmic approaches and a new software infrastructure will enable MFIX-Exa to leverage future exascale machines to optimize the modeling and design of multiphase chemical reactors.


2021 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
T. van Druenen ◽  
B. Blocken

AbstractSome teams aiming for victory in a mountain stage in cycling take control in the uphill sections of the stage. While drafting, the team imposes a high speed at the front of the peloton defending their team leader from opponent’s attacks. Drafting is a well-known strategy on flat or descending sections and has been studied before in this context. However, there are no systematic and extensive studies in the scientific literature on the aerodynamic effect of uphill drafting. Some studies even suggested that for gradients above 7.2% the speeds drop to 17 km/h and the air resistance can be neglected. In this paper, uphill drafting is analyzed and quantified by means of drag reductions and power reductions obtained by computational fluid dynamics simulations validated with wind tunnel measurements. It is shown that even for gradients above 7.2%, drafting can yield substantial benefits. Drafting allows cyclists to save over 7% of power on a slope of 7.5% at a speed of 6 m/s. At a speed of 8 m/s, this reduction can exceed 16%. Sensitivity analyses indicate that significant power savings can be achieved, also with varying bicycle, cyclist, road and environmental characteristics.


Materials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (8) ◽  
pp. 2041
Author(s):  
Eva C. Silva ◽  
Álvaro M. Sampaio ◽  
António J. Pontes

This study shows the performance of heat sinks (HS) with different designs under forced convection, varying geometric and boundary parameters, via computational fluid dynamics simulations. Initially, a complete and detailed analysis of the thermal performance of various conventional HS designs was taken. Afterwards, HS designs were modified following some additive manufacturing approaches. The HS performance was compared by measuring their temperatures and pressure drop after 15 s. Smaller diameters/thicknesses and larger fins/pins spacing provided better results. For fins HS, the use of radial fins, with an inverted trapezoidal shape and with larger holes was advantageous. Regarding pins HS, the best option contemplated circular pins in combination with frontal holes in their structure. Additionally, lattice HS, only possible to be produced by additive manufacturing, was also studied. Lower temperatures were obtained with a hexagon unit cell. Lastly, a comparison between the best HS in each category showed a lower thermal resistance for lattice HS. Despite the increase of at least 38% in pressure drop, a consequence of its frontal area, the temperature was 26% and 56% lower when compared to conventional pins and fins HS, respectively, and 9% and 28% lower when compared to the best pins and best fins of this study.


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