Simulation Software for Fluids and SolidsSimulation Electrical Heating Forehearth by Plate Electrodes
Figure 1: CAD created in NOGRID's COMPASS
Figure 2: Electrical potential in the GUI
Figure 3: Electrical current density
Figure 4: Electrical power density
Figure 5: Fluid velocity field including velocity vectors
Figure 6: Temperature distribution including electrical current field vectors
Figure 7: Animation temperature distribution over time
If you need to perform a thermal analysis of an electrically heated channel flow using plate electrodes (such as in the simulation of forehearth heating) NOGRID points is the ideal solution. Based on a geometric model that can either be imported from your existing CAD system or created using our integrated CAD preprocessor COMPASS, you can generate a computer model of a specific geometry in a very short time compared to mesh-based methods. This allows you to quickly analyze the thermal behavior of your specific geometry in advance, enabling better design decisions and see its thermal characteristics in advance.
NOGRID's approach to simulating electrical heating forehearth
In this application, fluid within a tube or closed channel is heated by two opposing plate electrodes. The plate electrodes themeslves are not modeled as solid bodies; instead, the electrical potential is applied directly to the outer surfaces (shell) of the plate electrodes.
The resulting temperature distribution in the fluid is determined by the electrical resistance of the medium, which in turn depends on the flow rate as well as the size and positioning of the plate electrodes.
To solve the electrical potential u in both fluids and solids, NOGRID points uses the following equation:
u electrical potential u = u (x, y, z)
σ electrical heat conductivity
q source term
In the field of electrostatics, the electrical potential does not change with time and the valid differential equation for the electrical potential u is the Poisson equation
Conduction in solids and liquids is described by Ohm's law, which states that current is proportional to the applied electric field. The current density (current per unit area) j in an area is directly proportional to the electric field E and the proportionality factor is the electric conductivity σ:
The electric field E can be calculated directly from the electric potential u by
In this simulation, the Navier-Stokes equations, the temperature equation, and the Poission equation for electrical potential are computed. The temperature distribution within the flow is influenced by the magnitude of the electrical current, the arrangement of the plate electrodes and the temperature-dependent electrical resistance of the fluid.
For example, if the fluid's the viscosity depends on the temperature, the temperature distribution naturally has a direct influence on the flow in the channel. Additionally, if the fluid's electrical conductivity is also temperature-dependent, the distribution of electrical power will, in turn, be affected by the flow.
NOGRID points provides valuable insight into flow behavior by visualizing mass, momentum and heat transfer in both single-phase and multiphase systems. The software also delivers integral quantities that can be used to evaluate and analyze heat exchange efficiency.
Capabilities of NOGRID points CFD software
NOGRID unites the capabilities to handle free surface flow and moving parts within the domain and allows the simulation of any conceivable geometry and operation mode, such as
- fully 3D computation solving the complete Navier-Stokes equations
- easy and intuitive setup, also for FSI (Fluid-Structure-Interaction) cases
- freely definable material properties by equations or curves
- coupled solutions for electrical heating and fluid mechanic cases
- open or closed domains including inflow and outflow areas (non-batch mode)
- moving of parts and flexible thermal contact behaviour
Why choose Nogrid?
NOGRID provides professional CFD software for the simulation of fluid flow, heat and mass transfer, and chemical reactions. Its efficient modelling workflow helps engineers analyse flow behaviour, evaluate designs and make informed decisions without creating a conventional volume mesh.
Faster model preparation
With NOGRID, only the geometry boundary needs to be meshed. The finite points inside the fluid domain are generated automatically according to user-defined settings, both at the start of the simulation and during the calculation.
This approach reduces preprocessing effort and makes it easier to prepare complex geometries and cavities for simulation.
Efficient CFD workflow
The modelling process follows four straightforward steps:
Build the geometry. Mesh the boundary. Define the simulation. Start the calculation.
NOGRID is designed to provide short computation times, including for applications involving complex cavities. Engineers can use the resulting data to examine flow distribution and other relevant flow characteristics.
Better insight into fluid-flow processes
CFD solves the fundamental equations governing fluid flow. NOGRID software enables engineers to predict and analyse the behaviour of fluids and related physical processes before or alongside physical testing.
The simulation results can support:
- evaluation and comparison of design alternatives
- optimisation of construction and operating parameters
- improved planning reliability
- reduction of development time and testing effort
- faster progression from design to market or operation
Steps from geometry generation to simulation results
TRAINING
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When internal time, expertise or resources are limited, NOGRID can support your project with individual numerical simulation services. Our engineers develop and evaluate CFD models based on the specific requirements of your application.
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