FACULTY OF ENGINEERING
DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
MDB4013Z: COMPUTER AIDED ENGINEERING
SEPTEMBER 2018 SEMESTER
PROJECT REPORT
ANALYSIS OF FLUID FLOW IN T-JUNCTION AND Y-
JUNCTION PIPES
NAME STUDENT ID
AHMAD HAZIQ BIN MANSOR 21953
MUHAMMAD HEDRY MIRZA BIN MOHD TAUFIQ 22196
MUHAMMAD ZAHID ZAHURIN BIN AHMAD ZAHURIN 22210
NG ZHONGYAN 21973
Universiti Teknologi Petronas
32610 Seri Iskandar
Perak Darul Ridzuan
Contents
Chapter 1: Introduction ................................................................................................................... 3
1.1 Background Study ................................................................................................................. 3
1.2 Problem Statement............................................................................................................... 4
1.3 Objectives.............................................................................................................................. 4
1.4 Scope of Study ...................................................................................................................... 5
Chapter 2: Assumption and Theory ................................................................................................. 6
2.1 Design Reference .................................................................................................................. 6
2.2 Element Type and Capability ................................................................................................ 7
2.3 Importance of doing ANSYS Fluent ...................................................................................... 8
Chapter 3: Model Development and Simulation........................................................................... 10
3.1 T Junction Pipe Model Design ............................................................................................ 10
3.1.1 Sketching and Extruding the Model of T ..................................................................... 10
3.1.2 Meshing of Model ........................................................................................................ 10
3.1.3 Setting Boundary Condition for Solver ....................................................................... 11
3.2 Y Junction Pipe Model Design ............................................................................................ 13
3.2.1 Sketching and Extruding the Model of Y......................................................................... 13
3.2.2 Meshing of Model ..................................................................................................... 13
3.2.3 Setting Boundary Condition for Solver .................................................................... 14
Chapter 4: Results and Discussion................................................................................................. 16
4.1 Convergence of Solution............................................................................................... 16
4.2 Temperature Contours ................................................................................................... 17
4.3 Velocity Contours............................................................................................................ 19
4.4 Wall Heat Flux ................................................................................................................. 21
Chapter 5: Conclusion ................................................................................................................... 22
1
List of Figures
Figure 1: T-junction ............................................................................................................ 3
Figure 2: Y-junction ............................................................................................................ 3
Figure 3: Actual T-Junction ................................................................................................ 6
Figure 4: Actual Y-Junction................................................................................................ 7
Figure 5: Geometry, Node Locations and Coordinate System ........................................... 8
Figure 6: Mesh of T-tube .................................................................................................. 10
Figure 7: Boundary Condition at small inlet..................................................................... 11
Figure 8: Boundary Condition at big inlet ........................................................................ 11
Figure 9: Wall surface condition for T-tube ..................................................................... 12
Figure 10:Isometric View of T-Junction Pipe .................................................................. 12
Figure 11: Mesh of Y-tube................................................................................................ 13
Figure 12: Boundary Condition at Inlet 2 ......................................................................... 14
Figure 13: Boundary Condition at Inlet 1 ......................................................................... 14
Figure 14: Wall surface conditions of Y-tube................................................................... 14
Figure 15: Isometric View of Y-Junction Pipe ................................................................. 15
Figure 16:Plot of Residual Monitors vs Iterations for T- pipe.......................................... 16
Figure 17:Plot of Residual Monitors vs Iterations for Y- pipe ......................................... 16
Figure 18:Temperature distribution along the Mixing Tee............................................... 17
Figure 19: Temperature Contour at XY plane .................................................................. 18
Figure 20: Velocity Contour of T-Tube ............................................................................ 19
Figure 21: Velocity Contour at XY Plane......................................................................... 19
Figure 22: Developed Transitional Flow at Outlet ........................................................... 20
Figure 23: Heat Flux Contour at XY plane ....................................................................... 21
List of Table
Table 1: Dimension of T-Junction ...................................................................................... 6
Table 2: Dimension of Actual Y-Junction .......................................................................... 7
2
Chapter 1: Introduction
1.1 Background Study
Pipe networks are mainly used for transportation and supply of fluids and gases.
These networks vary from fewer pipes to thousands of pipes. In addition to pipes, the
network also consists of elbows, T-junctions, Y-junctions, bends, contractions, expansions,
valves, meters, pumps, turbines and many other components.
In this work we have concentrated our attention to a very small and common
component of pipe network: T-junction (some also refer as ’Tee’) and Y-junction. Both T-
junction and Y-junction is a very common components in pipe networks, mainly used to
distribute (diverge) the flow from main pipe 1 to several branching pipes and to accumulate
(converge) flows from many pipes to a single main pipe. Depending on the inflow and
outflow directions, the behavior of flow at the junction also changes. The following figure
shows some possibilities of fluid entering and leaving the junction.
Figure 1: T-junction
Figure 2: Y-junction
3
1.2 Problem Statement
Pipe network are mainly used for transportation and supply of fluids or gasses from
one location to the other location. Therefore, the understanding of the behaviour of air like
velocity and temperature change occur in pipe is required. In order to get clear view of the
problem the following research questions are considered. Firstly, how to design and
simulate the Y-junction and T-junction model using ANSYS software and simulation
software. Then, the behaviour of fluid flow and what the type of fluid used for the flow.
1.3 Objectives
ANSYS software are widely used to design and conduct simulation. Mainly used as
indispensable tool in a certain field especially engineering. In the project conducted will
make us more understanding the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). The main
objective of this project is to: -
a) To design Y-junction pipe and T-junction pipe by using ANSYS software
b) To simulate air flow through Y-junction pipe using Fluid Flow (Fluent) in Design
Modeller software
c) To investigate flow properties and temperature changes at Y-junction and T-
junction pipes
4
1.4 Scope of Study
The proposed model will provide a significant and flexible way of understanding
between the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). Here are some significant and
beneficial achievements that the proposed design is expected to provide:
The sketch can assist the students in meshing the models. Other than that,
comprehension the velocity of fluid which involve the mass flow rate that determines the
output velocity. Plus, the change in temperature from inlets will produces an outlet
temperature need to be observed based on the difference results that will be concluded.
Last element that need to be observe is the wall heat flux based on the material used.
Thus, we expect from this project to enhance the understanding of students to
design and simulate the Y-junction and T-junction.
5
Chapter 2: Assumption and Theory
The pipes were simulated using aluminium as it is lightweight and offers good
corrosion resistance for industrial applications while actual T-pipe and Y-pipes are shown
in the figure below. Consequently, a list of assumptions that was used during this analysis
is stated below.
Assumptions:
1. The inlet velocity (5 m/s) for both sets of pipes.
2. The inlet temperature, 260K from Inlet small to 300K from Inlet big for T-junction.
3. The inlet temperature, 320K from inlet 1 and 280K inlet 2 for Y-junction.
4. The type of material used for the pipe design.
2.1 Design Reference
Both T-junction and Y-Junction are chosen based on following actual model used
in the industry. They are made of aluminium with according to specifics dimensions.
Figure 3: Actual T-Junction
Nominal Dimensions of Run (inch) Dimensions of Branch (inch) Pipe Approximate
Pipe Outside Wall Inside Center Outside Wall Inside Center Schedule Weight
Size Diameter Thickness Diameter to End Diameter Thickness Diameter to End (pound)
(inch)
1¼x½ 1.66 0.140 1.38 1.88 0.84 0.109 0.622 1.88 40 1.3
Table 1: Dimension of T-Junction
6
Figure 4: Actual Y-Junction
Dimensions (in mm)
A B E F H L M P SW Weight
(g)
R 1/2 G 1/2 15.5 26.5 14 53 24.5 14 25 110
Table 2: Dimension of Actual Y-Junction
2.2 Element Type and Capability
A. SOLID92 3-D 10-Node Tetrahedral Structural Solid
SOLID92 has a quadratic displacement behavior and is well suited to model
irregular meshes (such as produced from various CAD/CAM systems). The element is
defined by ten nodes having three degrees of freedom at each node: translations in the nodal
x, y, and z directions. The element also has plasticity, creep, swelling, stress stiffening,
large deflection, and large strain capabilities.
The geometry, node locations, and the coordinate system for this element are shown
in Figure 5.
7
Figure 5: Geometry, Node Locations and Coordinate System
Beside the nodes, the element input data includes the orthotropic material properties.
Orthotropic material directions correspond to the element coordinate directions. Positive
pressures act into the element. Temperatures and fluences may be input as element body
loads at the nodes. The node I temperature T(I) defaults to TUNIF. If all other temperatures
are unspecified, they default to T(I). If all corner node temperatures are specified, each mid
side node temperature defaults to the average temperature of its adjacent corner nodes. For
any other input temperature pattern, unspecified temperatures default to TUNIF. Similar
defaults occurs for fluence except that zero is used instead of TUNIF.
2.3 Importance of doing ANSYS Fluent
ANSYS Fluent is an easy-to-use virtual-prototyping and modular simulation system that
is scalable to all organizational levels, degree of analysis complexity and stage of product
development extends to meet the requirements of the users as following:
• Needs that making it a low-risk investment.
• Perform more simulations in less time.
• To optimize components and systems.
• Innovative, reliable and high-quality products and processes
• Well-validated physical modelling capabilities
8
• A more flexible and responsive information-based development process, enabling
modifications of design at later stages
• Accurate results Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and multiphysics
applications
• Solve complex, large model CFD structural engineering problems and make
better, faster design decisions.
• ANSYS structural analysis software is used throughout the industry to enable
engineers to optimize their product designs and reduce the costs of physical
testing.
9
Chapter 3: Model Development and Simulation
3.1 T Junction Pipe Model Design
3.1.1 Sketching and Extruding the Model of T
1. The 2D drawing of the Mixing Tee was sketched on XY and ZX plane in Ansys
Fluent.
The dimensions of the size were defined (Diameter of pipe on XY plane = 3.5 cm;
Diameter of pipe on ZX plane = 1.58 cm)
2. The sketched circle on XY plane was extruded symmetric with the depth of 4.78
cm meanwhile sketched circle on ZX plane was extruded towards positive Y
direction with the depth of 4.8 cm.
3.1.2 Meshing of Model
1. The advanced size function was turned off to prevent auto meshing.
2. The geometry of the model was selected, and the method of meshing was set to
Tetrahedron mesh.
3. Body mesh sizing function was set to 0.15 cm and the mesh was generated.
4. The details of the mesh are as shown below:
Figure 6: Mesh of T-tube
10
3.1.3 Setting Boundary Condition for Solver
1. Double precision was selected at fluid launcher. Laminar flow was selected
together with energy equation at the model setup.
2. Air was selected as the material flowing through the pipe.
3. The boundary condition of the inlet, outlet and wall surface was set as shown.
Figure 7: Boundary Condition at small inlet
Figure 8: Boundary Condition at big inlet
11
Figure 9: Wall surface condition for T-tube
4. The residual monitors were set up to continuity= 1𝑒 −06 , x-velocity = 1𝑒 −06 , y-
velocity= 1𝑒 −06 , z-velocity = 1𝑒 −06 and energy =1𝑒 −04
5. Solution initialization method was set to standard initialization and compute from
all zones was selected before clicking initialize.
6. The calculation was started after setting to compute for 1000 iterations.
Figure 10:Isometric View of T-Junction Pipe
12
3.2 Y Junction Pipe Model Design
3.2.1 Sketching and Extruding the Model of Y
1. The 2D drawing of the Y-tube was sketched on the XY plane in Ansys Fluent.
2. The dimensions of the size were defined (branches of pipe = 4cm, Diameter of pipe
= 2cm)
3. The branch tubes were set to have the same dimensions (branches of pipe = 4cm,
Diameter of pipe = 2cm). The lines were made symmetric on the Y axis using
constraints.
4. The sketch was extruded by 2cm.
5. “Fblend” function was used on the extruded model to blend the edges on the surface
into a circular tube.
3.2.2 Meshing of Model
1. The advanced size function was turned off to prevent auto meshing.
2. The geometry of the model was selected, and the method of meshing was set to
Tetrahedron mesh.
3. Body mesh sizing function was set to 0.12cm and the mesh was generated.
4. The details of the mesh are as shown below:
5. The boundary surfaces were named accordingly to the inlet, outlet and fluid domain.
Figure 11: Mesh of Y-tube
13
3.2.3 Setting Boundary Condition for Solver
1. Double precision was selected at fluid launcher. Laminar flow was selected
together with energy equation at the model setup.
2. Air was selected as the material flowing through the pipe.
3. The boundary condition of the inlet, outlet and wall surface was set as shown.
Figure 13: Boundary Condition at Inlet 1
Figure 12: Boundary Condition at Inlet 2
Figure 14: Wall surface conditions of Y-tube
4 The residual monitors were set up to continuity= 1𝑒 −06 , x-velocity = 1𝑒 −06 , y-
velocity= 1𝑒 −06 , z-velocity = 1𝑒 −06 and energy =1𝑒 −04
14
5 Solution initialization method was set to standard initialization and compute from all
zones was selected before clicking initialize.
6 The calculation was started after setting to compute for 1000 iterations.
Figure 15: Isometric View of Y-Junction Pipe
15
Chapter 4: Results and Discussion
4.1 Convergence of Solution
Figure 16:Plot of Residual Monitors vs Iterations for T- pipe
Figure 17:Plot of Residual Monitors vs Iterations for Y- pipe
16
As to what we had been exposed throughout CAE lectures, the fundamental
principles that CFD software used to solve equations is by iteration method. The solver
will check whether the equations will be able to converge. The concept of convergence is
used due to the complexity of equation that might not yield the exact solution. By using
iteration method, it could help to approximate the solution and check for the percent error
based on the previous solution. Based on Figure 5, the solution of T-pipe simulation was
converged at 505th iteration. In Y-pipe simulation (Figure), the solution was converged at
510th iteration.
4.2 Temperature Contours
The mixing tee is subjected to mixing temperatures between 260K from Inlet small
to 300K from Inlet big. From the heat transfer analysis results, the temperature of each
location can be determined. Figure 6 shows the temperature distribution on the mixing tee.
Figure 18:Temperature distribution along the Mixing Tee
17
Figure 19: Temperature Contour at XY plane
The temperature contour from the simulation are as shown in figure 5. The inlet 1
is introduced with air of temperature at 320K and inlet 2 is introduced with air of
temperature at 280K. It is noticed that the intermixing of two different air temperatures
slowly heats up the air temperature at inlet 2 and it happens the same where the inlet 1
slowly cools to around 312K at the intersection.
It is observed that the fluid from two different inlets will produce an outlet
temperature around 312K. This can be explained by energy transfer of: 𝑄 = 𝑚 × 𝑐 × ∆𝑡
where the final temperature of mixed fluid can be determined by:
𝑚1 𝑐1 𝑡1 + 𝑚2 𝑐2 𝑡2
𝐹𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝑡𝑒𝑚𝑝, 𝑡 =
𝑚1 𝑐1 + 𝑚2 𝑐2
Therefore, the result of the outlet at around 312K is logical where the temperature of two
different air flow mixed and average out with the above equation.
18
4.3 Velocity Contours
Figure 20: Velocity Contour of T-Tube
The velocity contour from the simulation are as shown in figure 6. The inlet 1 is
introduced with air at 3 cm/s and inlet 2 is introduced with air at 1cm/s.
Figure 21: Velocity Contour at XY Plane
19
The increased speed of the outlet can be explained by using fluid dynamics, mass
flow rate of fluids of 𝑚̇ = 𝜌 × 𝐴 × 𝑉. As the inlet and outlet diameter are the same, the
𝜌1 𝑉1 +𝜌2 𝑉2
equation that governs the output velocity is: 𝑉𝑓 = 𝜌𝑓
From the contour shown, the final output velocity is around 8.688 cm/s as the final
density of the air is lower that leads to a higher velocity at the output. From figure 7, a
developed transitional flow is observed at the outlet. This is due to the intermixing of fluid
that causes the inlet 1 exerted pressure towards the left side of the wall. Therefore, the final
output velocity and the developed fluid flow is logically explained in this Y-junction pipe.
Figure 22: Developed Transitional Flow at Outlet
20
4.4 Wall Heat Flux
For this simulation, the wall heat flux is a constant for the aluminium material. Heat
flux of 10 𝑤/𝑚2 was defined for the aluminium material. From the heat flux contour, it is
assumed that the heat flux was uniform throughout the pipe.
Figure 23: Heat Flux Contour at XY plane
21
Chapter 5: Conclusion
The models of fluid flow in a T-junction and Y-junction pipes are designed by using
ANSYS Fluent software. Extensive experimentation as well as CFD Analysis are
performed and sufficient data was generated and analysed to establish velocity profiles of
the flow and pressure characteristics for the water flow through the model. From CAE
lectures, we had been exposed with the fundamental principles that CFD software used to
solve equations is by iteration method. The solver will check whether the equations will be
able to converge. The concept of convergence is used due to the complexity of equation
that might not yield the exact solution. By using iteration method, it could help to
approximate the solution and check for the percent error based on the previous solution.
From results in the previous section, it can be observed that there are differences
between T-junction pipe and Y-junction pipe, in terms of convergence, temperature, wall
heat flux and velocity. The velocity of water flow is strongly influenced by 90° angles of
T- joint of pipe compare to Y-junction pipe. The velocity and pressure of water tends to
decrease, after passing through T-joint of pipe, the velocity of water tends to increase, with
the decrease in diameter of the test section. The energy loss can be decreased by decreasing
the angle of T-joint of pipe. From this project after experiment values and Software
validation it can be concluded that T-joint dividing flow plays important role in energy loss.
22
