[Flow simulation] Determine flow at multiple locations in the system

Simulation Generality
1

Hi all

I am currently working on a system composed of several measurement modules. The fluid that is water passes through each of these modules. I would like to know if it is possible to know the flow rate in several different places. In the input/output of each module for example. I've already tried the visualization plans but you can't see the flow rate, only the speed, pressure... Regarding the surface parameter, I don't have any faces to select. I had looked if it was possible to create faces just for the parameter but it didn't work.

Thanks in advance

2

Hello

If you are able to visualize the speeds with the visualization planes, you now just have to correlate the speeds and the surfaces to get your flows.

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3

First of all, thank you for answering me so quickly.

I obviously think you're talking about the equation Dv = V * S.

The problem is that the flow is not uniform so I don't get the same speed in the same section. See attachment.


plan_vitesse.png
4

I'm not a fluid specialist at all, but what I'll do to get an approximation would be:

  • Retrieve the values of the respective surfaces for each speed
  • Perform a weighted average of speeds/areas
  • Deduct an equivalent flow rate.
5

I'm going to try with the weighted averages, thank you in any case for giving me the time.

6

Hello

I haven't tried but have you tried to do as in the example  Determination of Hydraulic Loss (page 91) of the guide which can be found here:

C:\Program Files\SolidWorks Corp\SolidWorks Flow Simulation\lang\French\docs\tutorial.pdf

In the example we calculate the pressure drop, we must be able to calculate the flow rate

 

7

So what does it look like?

Thinking about it a little more,  I'm surprised that it's not available by default.

Do you use the Xpress or Simulation version?

I'm sure you can find experts on this forum to help you do that!

My approximation method works but it's a bit "rough"...

8

 

@yoan pacquelet : concerning the example in the tutorial, there is the formula to calculate the flow except that I can't place a surface objective in the place I'm interested in (it's in the middle of a channel and I don't have a face to select).

@thomas perky: I use the flow simulation extension and not Xpress, otherwise your method is as you said "bully" but I find the right order of magnitude and the expected results.

1 Like
9

Hi @ guillaume

in input and output you will always have the same flow in a module where you have leaks ;-)

You know your section 

Your image shows 2 cuts of fluid tone velocity at 2 different locations but with the same average

So your problem is to know the flow rate by speed zone if I understood correctly

I don't understand the goal given the very small differences but why not ;-)

so you take a screenshot

and you create your surfaces on solidworks

See this tutorial

http://www.lynkoa.com/tutos/3d/tuto-creation-d-un-model-l-aide-d-une-image

as you will have created your 3 surfaces

All you have to do is use the Evaluate Mass Properties tool to visualize your surfaces

See also here to change the scale of the graph 

http://help.solidworks.com/2014/french/SolidWorks/cworks/IDH_HELP_PLOT_CHARTOPT.htm

another walkthrough that is done in aero for flow measurements

is to create a grid and measure all the speeds in this grid

+ your grid has boxes + you have measurements + you are precise

waiting for your project to evolve

@+ ;-)

 

 

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@gt22 thank you for the surface creation tutorial, I think it's the most accurate method in my case. I manage to find consistent results.

Thank you all for your help

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11

I'm simply digging up to bring a solution to others who, like me, would come across this post today...

All you have to do is create solid "sensors". Strangely enough, it doesn't work with surfaces (as OP tried to do), you have to add solid bodies with faces where you want to take the measurements, and then exclude them from the simulation.

It's simple, it allows you to get the results directly as goals... In short, I don't understand why no one has mentioned this solution.

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