Bridge Pillars External Two-Phase Flow CFD Simulation, ANSYS Fluent Training
$120.00 Student Discount
- The problem numerically simulates the Bridge Pillars External Two-Phase Flow  using ANSYS Fluent software.
- The 3-D geometry is designed in Design Modeler software.
- We used ANSYS Meshing to generate mesh; the element number equals 270,812.
- Two phase flow (air and water as first and second phase respectively) is simulateed using VOF model.
- Turbulent flow is modeled with RNG k-epsilon model.
Description
Description
Analysis of the effects of fluid flow on rigid bodies is one of the most important applications of fluid mechanics. Effects such as corrosion, cavitation, oxidation, etc., are among the most important effects that the fluid flows have on the surfaces of the surrounding objects. The foundations of bridges are also exposed to scouring due to constant contact with river water. Due to this reason, the design and structure of the bridge pillars are essential in examining the scour of the bridge foundations.
In this project, Bridge Pillars External Two-Phase Flow CFD Simulation, the flow of air and water around a bridge’s pillars is investigated by ANSYS Fluent software. The simulation uses the VOF model for the two phases of air and water. The RNG k-e model using standard wall functions is also applied to solve the turbulent flow.
The geometry for analyzing this simulation consists of a fluid domain and two bridge pillars placed in a row relative to the flow direction so that the first pillar’s effect on the bridge’s second pillar can be simulated and analyzed.
Geometry is designed in ANSYS design modeler and is meshed in ANSYS meshing. The mesh type used for this geometry is structured, and the element number is 270,812
Bridge Pillars External Two-Phase Flow Methodology
In this project, a two-phase flow of air and water around a bridge’s pillars is simulated with the VOF model, in which the first phase is air and the second is water. We found the RNG k-e model practical to model the flow’s turbulency.
The present simulation and its results are considered to be steady and do not change as a function of time, and the effect of gravity has been taken into account. Also, the solver is pressure based.
Conclusion
At the end of the solution, we present contours of pressure, velocity, streamlines, and volume fractions of air and water phases. For instance, the velocity and air volume fraction streamlines can help us to understand the flow behavior along the domain.
The water flows around the pillars, creating vortices and eddies, and the air flows over the top of the pillars, creating a boundary layer. The water and air interact, creating a mixing layer creating turbulence. Vortices and eddies are stronger near the pillars, where the flow is more turbulent. Also, the mixing layer created by the interaction of the water and air is thicker.
Emmalee Fahey –
I’m curious about the meshing technique used in this simulation. Could you provide some insights?
MR CFD Support –
This simulation uses the Body-Fitted Mesh technique which provides a high-quality mesh that accurately captures the geometry of the bridge pillars and the surrounding fluid domain.
Berneice Rice Sr. –
Can this simulation model be used for other types of structures in water, like ship hulls?
MR CFD Support –
Absolutely, the principles used in this simulation are applicable to any structure interacting with a fluid flow. We can customize the simulation to accommodate your specific needs.
Prof. Lucio Herzog –
This is an excellent product for understanding the fluid dynamics around bridge pillars. Kudos to the MR-CFD team!
MR CFD Support –
Thank you for your kind words! We strive to provide the best CFD solutions for our customers.
Yadira O’Keefe –
The graphical results of the simulation are very detailed. What software is used to generate these?
MR CFD Support –
The results are visualized using ANSYS Fluent’s post-processing tools, which offer a wide range of options for displaying and analyzing the simulation data.