Masters Degrees (Civil Engineering)

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Browsing Masters Degrees (Civil Engineering) by Subject "Acoustic Doppler Velocimeter"

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    Validation of computational fluid dynamics model of a simple pump sump with vertical intake
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2014-04) Hoppe, Mark Mathew; Kamish, W.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Engineering. Dept. of Civil Engineering.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The designs of pump intake structures are generally verified by means of a hydraulic model study to ensure the structure will operate without large air or swirl entraining vortices. This is an expensive and time consuming process. The popularity of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is ever increasing in the engineering world and the use thereof in the modelling of flows in pump intake structures is just one of the many areas of focus. The use of a validated CFD model in the design phase of pump intakes would be beneficial, and ideally would reduce the frequency of requiring hydraulic model studies. This study investigates the applicability of using a 3 dimensional CFD model as a design tool by validation with a physical model. A physical model of a simple pump intake was available and with a few modifications the flow conditions were significantly improved. The quantitative validation of the CFD model was carried out by means of comparing corresponding point velocity magnitudes. An Acoustic Doppler Velocimeter (ADV) was used in the physical model. The data obtained were successfully filtered to remove noise and other disturbances. The qualitative validation was done by means of photographs and observations. The photographs made use of illuminated tracer particles to identify flow patterns. The CFD model compares well qualitatively, but the velocity magnitudes are not yet sufficiently reliable. It is recommended that the CFD model can be used for qualitative studies, but future research should focus on the accuracy of the CFD model. Using higher resolution velocity measurements in the physical model by means of other types of instruments, a better comparison can be made, as well as enabling validation of the ADV readings.