Search Results

The purpose of this study is to present a parametric fuel tank filling model from first principles. The aim is to build a tool that can help with the initial tank layout, to make sure the design does not promote premature shut off. The governing equations of the model are detailed and results for a test case are presented. The model is based on a common set of parameters enabling it to be adapted to a set of design constrains. Additionally, the model is validated by experimental data where available and a sensitivity analysis on critical design parameters that promote premature shut off is performed.

Simulations have been carried out for the flow through a throttle valve to determine the flow mechanisms for various blade angles. In all cases, the time-dependence of the flow had to be accounted for. From this the relationship between blade angle and frequency of oscillation has been found. Comparisons have also been made between solutions with tetrahedral unstructured meshes and hexahedral structured meshes. Finally, it has been found that adding a breather pipe to the throttle removes the oscillation entirely.

The steady flow through a plenum-runner system within an inlet manifold has been measured experimentally and also predicted with computational fluid dynamics (CFD). This paper reviews the experiment and computation before presenting the results of simulations that assess the effect of various geometries at the plenum-runner interface. It has been found that careful experiments are needed to produce reliable experimental data and that CFD can be used to produce accurate predictions. In terms of the losses due to various interfaces, the sharp-edged simple interface is the worst case, with a protrusion giving a slight reduction in loss and various forms of rounding significantly reducing the losses.