Numerical investigation of the flow-field characteristics around the suspended pipeline under oblique flows

Abstract

Abstract The flow field distribution around the suspended pipeline is closely related to the mechanical characteristics and local scour characteristics of the underwater crossing pipelines. To fully investigate the velocity distribution and wake structure characteristics around the suspended pipeline under oblique flows, a flume model test and a numerical simulation based on the LES (Large Eddy Simulation) method were performed. The results showed that the velocity distribution near the suspended pipeline under oblique flows had obvious three-dimensional characteristics. The influence range of pipeline on velocity is 1 d before to 6 d behind the pipeline (d is pipeline diameter). The smaller the flow angle, the more disordered the velocity distribution is. The larger the flow angle, the greater the variation degree of the velocity at each section at the same section is, as well as the higher the velocity deficit value is. In addition, the larger the angle of pipe flow, the more violent the wake structure changes with the flow velocity, and the stronger the regularity of vortex street shedding. This research provides a theoretical reference for the scour prevention design and safe operation of crossing pipelines.