Accurate state variables for fluid flow simulation using Quicksteam and Quickmethane

• Published in: European journal of mechanics, B, Fluids B, Fluids, 2017-09, Vol.65, p.132-140
• Main Authors: Labourdette, C., Ghidaglia, J.-M., Redford, J.A., Faure, S.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Equation of state; Multi-phase flow; Phase change; Simulation
• ISSN: 0997-7546; 1873-7390
• DOI: 10.1016/j.euromechflu.2017.03.003

Use of empirical correlations for state variables allows for more accurate physical representation than simplistic approaches offer. The simplistic approaches include the ideal or stiffened gas laws, both of which can have major shortcomings. This is particularly important when dealing with cases that are near saturation or where liquid compressibility is important. Hence, two new state variable libraries have been developed. The first is called Quicksteam, which is for water and steam, and the second is called Quickmethane, which is for methane liquid and vapour. Well established correlations of experimental data have been used to create the libraries. The libraries are coupled to a multi-phase flow solver and run as part of a fluid dynamics simulation. The calculations are quick and robust when the values remain within the limits of the correlations. Several test cases have been carried out to demonstrate the quality and validity of the results. The test cases include phase change, with gas and liquid compressibility. Results are compared with data from another simulation code that uses steam tables and also with experimental data. The libraries are developed with 3 applications in mind; the first is simulation of blast wave attenuation in aqueous foams, the second is wave impact on tank walls of liquefied natural gas carriers and the third is thermohydraulics. These libraries also have many other potential applications.