Computational Fluid Dynamics study of element type and turbulence model impact on a flow over a spacer grid using Simcenter STAR-CCM+
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15392/2319-0612.2024.2658Keywords:
CFD, Spacer grids, Mesh analysisAbstract
Abstract: This study presents a numerical investigation into the impact of various mesh element types on water flow results through a representative spacer grid, utilizing Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). The study evaluates the variations of the k−ϵ turbulence model available in Simcenter STAR-CCM+ across different mesh types. Three predominant cell types were employed: cartesian, polyhedral, and tetrahedral, alongside three k−ϵ models: Standard Two-layer (STL), Realizable Two-layer (RTL), and Elliptic Blending (EB). The analysis was conducted using a PWR vane-type spacer grid arranged in a 2x2 configuration. The findings demonstrated a strong correlation with experimental data available in the literature. However, the cartesian and tetrahedral meshes attenuated the velocity profiles post-spacer grid. The polyhedral mesh, in conjunction with the RTL and EB k−ϵ models, yielded results more closely aligned with the experimental data. Regarding Secondary Flow (SF), the results indicated a consistent trend of decreasing intensity downstream of the spacer grid. The Polyhedral EB and RTL models exhibited behavior most consistent with the experimental results.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Tiago Augusto Santiago Vieira, Yasmim Martins Carvalho, Higor Fabiano Pereira de Castro, Keferson Almeida Carvalho, Rebeca Cabral Gonçalves, Pedro Henrique Araújo, Davi Cury, Vitor Vasconcelos Araújo Silva, Graiciany Paula Barros, Andre Augusto Campagnole dos Santos
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