ANALYSIS OF AN INVERTED HORSESHOE-SHAPED HYDRAULIC POWER SINK USING AUTODESK CFD AND AN EXPERIMENTAL MODEL

Abstract

This study aimed to design and analyse the performance of an innovative fluid energy dissipator model, comparing its behaviour in Autodesk CFD simulations with the experimental tests performed. The flow behaviour at different inlet velocities is examined to identify the ability of the dissipator to control the flow regime and minimize its energy under channel conditions, particularly under laminar and turbulent flows. The results revealed that, under various inlet conditions, the design maintained a tendency towards a stable flow in laminar and turbulent conditions, even in high velocity situations, with localized presences of turbulence in strategic areas. These areas, generated by negative pressures and vortices in the inner cavity of the dissipators, promoted energy dissipation along the structure and demonstrated an effective reduction of the exit velocity.