Numerical study of air-core vortex effect on discharge coefficient, vorticity and pressure distribution in the pipe
摘要
Entrained air by vortex phenomenon is examined innovatively in this study. Besides utilizing the most efficient models, experimental data is used for verification and agreement between the experimental and numerical results. The experimental data indicates the validity of the numerical simulations. The formation mechanism, mostly confirms the accumulation of small swirls to form a bigger and united vortex. It was observed that after a fully developed free surface vortex formation, air enterance increases. The maximum air enters as the vortex evolves to its strongest state, vortex Class A, with a fully developed air core. Analysis showed an air core's path to form on the upper levels of the pipe section. The discharge coefficient showed about 7% loss after the class A vortex appearance in the reservoir. Furthermore, vorticity experienced a significant increment at the central region of the pipe’s cross-section. Along with discovering a relation between pressure and vorticity, pressure values at the central area of the pipe’s cross-sections decreased by about 27% in horizontal and vertical parts, when moving through the length.