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This document analyzes fluid flow through a cylindrical pipe under laminar conditions. It studies the development of the boundary layer and flow establishment length. It models fluid flow at different grid sizes and analyzes the velocity profiles along the pipe to observe boundary layer growth and determine establishment length.

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30 views

Report Format

This document analyzes fluid flow through a cylindrical pipe under laminar conditions. It studies the development of the boundary layer and flow establishment length. It models fluid flow at different grid sizes and analyzes the velocity profiles along the pipe to observe boundary layer growth and determine establishment length.

Uploaded by

sk21meb0b55
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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5 Flow Through Pipe

Sameera Khatoon – 21MEB0B55


Student, Department of Mechanical Engineering
National Institute of Technology Warangal
Warangal-506004, Telangana, India
Email: [email protected]

Abstract: This paper delves into the study of fluid flow within a cylindrical pipe under laminar conditions,
maintaining uniform fluid properties to streamline analysis. The research investigates the development of the
boundary layer within the pipe, particularly focusing on the establishment length of flow. Analysis of velocity
profiles along the length of the pipe is conducted to observe variations in boundary layer growth and to pinpoint
the establishment length. Additionally, inlet and outlet flow conditions, encompassing velocity and pressure, are
kept constant. The study concentrates on half of the pipe's length, which is representative of the entire profile
when mirrored. Adequate length is considered for analyzing the flow profile both before and after establishment.

Keywords: Fluid dynamics, cylindrical conduit, laminar flow regime, Boundary layer dynamics, Velocity
distribution, Half-pipe examination, Flow characteristics, Establishment length

Introduction: The dynamics of fluid flow through a conduit are influenced by multiple factors, including fluid
properties, conduit material, and environmental conditions. Frictional forces along the conduit's wall and internal
viscous forces significantly influence the development of the boundary layer along the conduit's length. The
characteristics of the boundary layer are contingent upon micro-scale surface irregularities and the contour of the
surface over or under which the flow occurs. Due to the no-slip condition, the fluid layer immediately adjacent to
the conduit wall remains stationary, while successive layers experience increasing velocities as they move away
from the wall. This velocity profile can be illustrated at any point along the conduit's length. For flow through a
conduit, Reynolds numbers corresponding to various flow criteria span distinct ranges.
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The dotted line in the graphical representations denotes the central axis of the cylindrical conduit. Considering the
axisymmetric nature of the conduit's geometry, only half of the conduit is examined. The geometrical parameters
of the conduit are as follows: Length (L) = 8 meters, Radius = 0.0445 meters. Meshing is conducted along both
the length and radius of the conduit, employing a bias factor of 10. The number of divisions is incrementally
increased with steps of 30 for the radius and 300 for the length axis.
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Results and Discussion:

Grid Size: 250 X 30

Fig. 4: Curve length vs Velocity magnitude


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Fig. 5: Residuals plot

Grid size:450 X 40

Fig. 7: Velocity VS Radius plot Grid


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Fig. 8: Residuals plot


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Grid Size: 650 X 60

Fig. 9: Velocity VS Radius plot Grid


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Fig. 10: Residuals plot


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Grid size:850 x 80

Fig. 11: Velocity VS Radius plot Grid


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Fig. 12: Residuals plot


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Fig. 13 Velocity profile

The investigation involved analyzing the maximum flow velocity for various grid sizes. It was
observed that reducing the grid size by increasing the number of divisions resulted in a decrease
in the computed maximum velocity. Velocity profiles were analyzed for both developed and
developing flow conditions at 6 meters and 2 meters from the inlet, respectively. However,
distinguishing between developing and developed velocity profiles became increasingly
challenging as the grid size decreased, as evidenced by the plots. This trend of decreasing
velocity persisted until reaching a grid-independent size, beyond which further reduction in mesh
size had minimal impact on velocity at any node.

Conclusions: The study highlights the influence of grid size on computed maximum flow
velocity, with reductions in grid size correlating with decreased maximum velocity. Analysis of
velocity profiles indicated challenges in distinguishing between developing and developed flow
as grid size decreased. This trend persisted until reaching a grid-independent size, where further
reduction in mesh size had negligible impact on velocity. These findings contribute to
understanding fluid flow dynamics within conduits under laminar conditions.

References:
[1]. Tarafder, M. S., & Mia, M. J. (2022). Comparative numerical simulation of laminar flow
through pipes using COMSOL Multiphysics and OpenFOAM. Proceedings of MARTEC 2022,
The International Conference on Marine Technology, 21-22 December 2022, BUET, Dhaka,
Bangladesh.
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[2]. Abraham, J. (2018). Hydrodynamics of laminar flow through dimpled pipes. MOJ Civil
Engineering, 4(3), 150-154.
[3]. Pomerenk, O., Segura, S. C., Cao, F., Wu, J., & Ristroph, L. (2023). Hydrodynamics of
finite-length pipes at intermediate Reynolds numbers. Journal of Fluid Mechanics, 959, A28.

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