Numerical modeling of hydrodynamic processes in pipeline connecting elements

In the last few years, economic progress has been made in attempts to more realistically model water flow, with a large number of conceptual models available for flow prediction. The subject of the study is the issue of a consistent description of the flow in a circular pipe with the most commonly used pipeline fittings — elbows. The article presents the results of an experimental study of elbows and the construction of numerical ionic models using the ANSYS FLUENT computational fluid dynamics software. The k-ε model is chosen to accurately describe the fluid flow turbulence model. The main objective is to evaluate the performance of the implemented k-ε model qualitatively and quantitatively in simulating the flow of a strongly curved duct, where a strongly generated flow stress can radiate through the duct cover. The conducted studies provide a good correlation between the physical experiment and the computational fluid dynamics analysis method. The solved problem allows us to conclude that the use of computer modeling in training and designing pipelines for construction and other industries is relevant and promising. A deep understanding of the underlying processes, advances in numerous techniques and the introduction of increasingly powerful computers enable comprehensive modeling of the most important fluid flow processes in pipelines and structures, making it possible to more effectively apply the models to solve a variety of problems, flow studies and control.