Mathematical modelling of vortex generation process in the flowing part of the vortex flowmeter and selection of an optimal turbulence model

The article is devoted to mathematical modelling of processes, occurring in the flowing part of the vortex flowmeter, by the finite element method. The urgency of the current study is due to the lack of research in this area. The analysis of research literature devoted to the study of non-stationary vortex shedding processes and other hydrogasdynamics effects occurring in the flowing part of the vortex flowmeter and similar devices has been performed. A brief description of the vortex generation process behind the bluff body placed in a circular cross-section pipe as well as the basic criteria for functional products are presented. Various mathematical models for describing turbulent flows in pipes with an object or obstruction were investigated. The available software packages suitable for modelling unsteady turbulent flows were analyzed. The ANSYS software package, in particular CFX module for fluid and gas, as well as various approaches to mathematical modelling were used to simulate the flowing part of the vortex flowmeter. The article provides a brief description of the basic computational domain settings, mesh formation and initial and boundary conditions setting. To verify the numerical calculations, physical experiments on fluid and gas test benches were performed. For this purpose the samples corresponding to the numerical model have been manufactured and tested. The research findings led us to conclude that in terms of accuracy and calculation time the optimal approach to numerical simulation of vortex generation processes (Karman vortex street) in the vortex flowmeter is the use of the Reynolds-averaged Navier - Stokes equations (or RANS equations) closed by means of a two-equation model of turbulence, known as the k-e model, which is confirmed by comparison with the experimental data.