Analysis on the influence of turbulence model on elbow erosion calculation

  Objectives  The elbow is a common component of ship piping system. Efforts have been made in order to predict the elbow erosion accurately.

  Methods  In this paper, the numerical simulation is conducted to calculate and analyze the flow field inside the pipe. From the two aspects, i.e. the influence of the turbulence model on the prediction of the flow field in the elbow and the influence of turbulence model on elbow erosion calculation, intensive research into the method to predict the erosion of elbow by solid and liquid flows.

  Results  The results show that the SST k-ω turbulence model, together with the Oka erosion model, can accurately predict the flow field distribution in the elbow. Turbulence model brings a significant impact on the abrasion calculation, where it affects the calculated value of final erosion and also makes a great difference in the distribution of predicted relative erosion.

  Conclusions  The obtained results can provide guidance for future pipe erosion prediction.