Fluid-Solid Interaction Simulation Methodology for Coriolis Flowmeter Operation Analysis

Area of Science:

• Fluid dynamics
• Computational mechanics
• Measurement science

Background:

• Numerical simulation is crucial for Coriolis flowmeter (CFM) analysis.
• Existing CFM simulation methodologies lack experimental validation and consensus on turbulence models and simplifications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a fluid-solid interaction simulation methodology for CFMs.
• To compare turbulence models and assess the impact of configuration simplifications.

Main Methods:

• Coupling finite volume method (fluid) and finite element method (solid) for fluid-solid interaction.
• Investigating Reynolds Stress Model (RSM) and eddy viscosity-based turbulence models.
• Evaluating effects of configuration simplifications like brace neglect and tube length assumptions.

Main Results:

• The RSM turbulence model is found to be favorable for CFM operation simulations.
• Configuration simplifications excluding brace neglect and equivalent flowmeter tube length are recommended.
• Simulation results show less than 5% discrepancy compared to experimental data.

Conclusions:

• The proposed fluid-solid interaction methodology enhances confidence in CFM simulations.
• Validated simulation methods provide a foundation for further research in diverse flowmeter applications.