Computational modelling of manifold type flowspreaders

• Main Author: Hua, Lu
• Format: Others
• Language: English
• Published: 2009
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/2429/8153

A computational model is developed for the prediction of flow distribution in manifold type flowspreaders. To address the difficulties associated with complex configurations of manifold type flowspreaders and convergence problems, several numerical techniques are used, including curvilinear coordinate-based calculations and domain segmentation. A 3D curvilinear coordinate-based CFD code, called CMGFD, which can be used to calculate laminar/turbulent flows in arbitrary geometries using curvilinear grids is adapted. To support the application of the CMGFD code, a multigrid elliptic grid generation code, MBEGG, was modified to generate multi-block curvilinear grids for the CMGFD code. Validation of these methods is performed. The calculation of flow in liquid cooling module manifolds shows that the predicted flow rate in each channel is in good agreement with other numerical studies; the calculated cross-stream motions at different locations agree well with experimental data for the turbulent flow modelling in a pipe junction, . A Canfor manifold type flow spreader, which includes a tapered rectangular duct with 560 tubes, is modelled. The effects of spreader recirculation rate and inlet flow rate on the flow distribution have been considered. The computational results show that the numerical tool has the ability to model the flow distribution of manifold type flowspreaders. === Applied Science, Faculty of === Mechanical Engineering, Department of === Graduate