COMPARATIVE STUDY OF FLOW TESTS AND CFD SIMULATIONS IN A HYDRAULIC ENERGY DISSIPATOR WITH GEAR GEOMETRY

Abstract

This research combines experimental tests and CFD simulations in Autodesk to model a gear-shaped energy dissipator. The objective is to evaluate the accuracy of the CFD simulation in replicating laminar and turbulent flow patterns observed in the laboratory, using water as the test fluid. The methodology includes designing in AutoCAD and testing on a flow table, recording data on flow and pressure. Results showed kinematic consistency between simulation and experiment, reflecting similar flow patterns and pressure behavior. Minor discrepancies are attributed to unmodeled factors such as bubbles and vibrations. The conclusions highlight that reducing drag increases energy efficiency and that controlling lift is crucial for design stability. This integration of tests and simulations not only validates CFD as a predictive tool but also supports its application in the design of hydraulic structures to mitigate floods, particularly relevant in the context of mitigating landslides (huaycos) in Peru.