Comparison of pressure-loss evaluation fidelity in turbulent energy dissipation models of poppet check valves using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software

Abstract

Check valves are critical components of fluid systems and have various applications, including house appliances. This article presents a methodology for mapping geometry-specific constriction pressure loss as a function of flow and turbulence in a check valve. This study aimed to gain insight on which Ansys Fluent available turbulent energy dissipation model should be used for further design optimization. This methodology consists of a statistical comparison of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation results obtained using the turbulent energy dissipation models. The key components of the simulation process are discussed. The study’s main results are a comparison of empirical results among flow models’ estimated pressure loss, shown as a function of flow rate in specific geometry and identification of the most suitable model for the considered application. This study concludes that the K-Epsilon (Standard) model best represents the empirically measured behavior of naturally occurring flow energy losses in the considered geometry.