Comparison of Performance of Two Software Tools, FLUENT and FLOW3D in Determination of Flow Rate of Small and Labyrinth Channels in Laminar Flow

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Expert of KESHVAR AB-KHAK, KARKHEH Studies Consulting Company

2 Assistant Professor, Water and Soil Department, Technical University of Shahrood

3 Professor, Water Sciences Engineering Faculty, Shahid Chamran University, Ahwaz, Iran

Abstract

Emitter is the key component in drip irrigation
system. Therefore, hydraulic performance of emitters has an important impact on
the performance and uniformity of trickle irrigation.  On the other hand, process production of
emitter is time-consuming and expensive. Because of small size and complex
structure of labyrinth-channel used in most drip emitters, it is not possible
to observe the flow behavior of water passing through the
channel. In this study three types emitter (A, B and C) were
selected and
structural parameters of emitter channel was determined by taking photos using
Scanning Electronic Microscope (SEM). Flow behavior of water in channel
simulated by two Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software
FLUENT and FLOW3D. Then relationship between pressure and rate of
emitters discharge was calculated. Verification of the results obtained from
the CFD simulation was conducted in laboratory. Average of prediction error
percentage (Er) was 5.5 and 3.6 percentage for FLOW3D and
FLUENT software respectively. Therefore results indicate that the FLOW3D and
FLUENT softwares are a powerful technique to simulate flow behavior of the
water passing through channels emitters, as well as to optimize the design of
the labyrinth channel.

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History

  • Receive Date: 01 November 2010
  • Revise Date: 07 March 2014
  • Accept Date: 11 September 2012
  • Publish Date: 22 August 2012

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