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Fluid

This document presents a CFD simulation study of fully developed laminar flow in a circular pipe, focusing on the effects of varying inlet velocities. The results confirm a parabolic velocity profile and a linear pressure drop consistent with theoretical predictions, while also calculating the Darcy friction factor. The findings validate the use of CFD for accurately modeling laminar flow behavior, with minor discrepancies attributed to numerical artifacts.

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ayamakram963
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5 views10 pages

Fluid

This document presents a CFD simulation study of fully developed laminar flow in a circular pipe, focusing on the effects of varying inlet velocities. The results confirm a parabolic velocity profile and a linear pressure drop consistent with theoretical predictions, while also calculating the Darcy friction factor. The findings validate the use of CFD for accurately modeling laminar flow behavior, with minor discrepancies attributed to numerical artifacts.

Uploaded by

ayamakram963
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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CFD simulation of a

fully developed
laminar flow in
circular pipe
Aya Makram Mada Nabil
202200584 202200610
Introduction
Reynolds number (𝑅𝑒Re), which determines
Fluid flow in pipes is categorized by the

(𝑅𝑒<2000):
the flow regime.
• Laminar Flow Smooth,
orderly layers with a parabolic velocity

• Turbulent Flow (𝑅𝑒>4000): Chaotic


profile.

• Transitional Flow (2000<𝑅𝑒<4000): A mix


motion with eddies and mixing.

of laminar and turbulent characteristics.


This study focuses on laminar flow,
essential for applications requiring low
energy losses and precise control. Using
CFD, we simulate fully developed flow in a
Methodology
The simulation was conducted in ANSYS
Fluent using a 2D model of a circular pipe
with a diameter of 0.02 m and a length of
0.2 m. A fine computational mesh with
adaptive sizing ensured accuracy in high-
gradient regions. Boundary conditions
included a specified inlet velocity, a no-slip
condition at the walls, and a uniform outlet Figure 1 shows the Meshing generated

pressure. The solver was pressure-based,


achieving convergence at a residual
threshold of 10^(-6). Five inlet velocities
ranging from 0.02 m/s to 0.1 m/s were
analyzed.
Velocity Profile
The simulations confirmed a parabolic
velocity profile characteristic of laminar
flow. Maximum velocity occurred at the Figure 2 shows the Velocity Vs Y chart representation

pipe's centerline, gradually decreasing


to zero at the walls due to the no-slip
boundary condition. This result aligns
closely with the theoretical solution
provided by the Hagen-Poiseuille
equation. Contour plots illustrate the
smooth distribution of flow velocity
across the pipe.
Video 1 shows the Velocity contours
Pressure Drop
The pressure drop along the pipe was
analyzed using the Hagen-Poiseuille
equation. Simulation results showed a
linear pressure gradient, confirming
theoretical expectations for steady-
state, incompressible laminar flow.
Minor deviations were observed due to
numerical assumptions and mesh
resolution. Pressure contour plots Video 1 shows the pressure contours
clearly highlight the decrease in
pressure from the inlet to the outlet,
with a consistent gradient along the
Darcy Friction
Factor
The Darcy friction factor, which quantifies
the resistance due to viscous effects, was
calculated using simulated pressure drop
data. Results showed an inverse
relationship between the friction factor and

theoretical formula 𝑓=64/Ref. A graph


Reynolds number, consistent with the

comparing experimental and theoretical


friction factor values highlights strong
Figure 2 shows the scientist Darcy
agreement, with minor discrepancies at
lower Reynolds numbers due to numerical
artifacts.
Simulated Cases
Simulations were performed at five
different inlet velocities: 0.02 m/s, 0.04
m/s, 0.06 m/s, 0.08 m/s, and 0.1 m/s. At
higher velocities, the pressure drop
steepened, and the velocity profile
sharpened, reflecting increased viscous
resistance. Contour plots of velocity and
pressure for each case vividly
demonstrate these trends. These results
highlight the effect of flow velocity on
laminar flow characteristics
Comparison and
Discussion
The comparison between experimental
and theoretical results revealed close Figure11 shows graph between Re number and exp. friction factor
alignment for velocity profiles and
pressure gradients. However, minor
deviations in the Darcy friction factor
were noted at low Reynolds numbers,
attributed to boundary condition
assumptions and numerical
approximations. These findings validate
the reliability of CFD simulations for
replicating laminar flow behavior while Figure12 shows graph between Re number and theor. friction factor

emphasizing the importance of careful


References
Çengel, Y. A., & Cimbala, J. M.
(2013). Fluid Mechanics:
Fundamentals and Applications (3rd
ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.

ANSYS Fluent Documentation


(2024).
THANKS
For Watching

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