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Note that the overall epsilon value range (max at .01) is lower than the plot above which has a max of (.05), but has comparatively more uniform distribution for baffles turns 3 and 4.
Automation of Mesh Creation Process
In order to save time, a script was written to automate the mesh generation process in Gambit. The script file can be accessed here.
Using the script, the user just have to change the parameter of baffle spacings, clearance height and flocculation tank height. Upon changing those parameter, the user can execute Gambit and run the journal files for mesh generation. The script can be accessed here.
Similarly, a script in FLUENT can process a completed mesh, and automatically set up the solver, initial conditions, fluid properties, convergence criteria, and save the convergence solution data file to be analyzed later. The incomplete script can be accessed here.
Nondimensional Analysis
Dimensional analysis relates ε to K,V, π and baffle width, as follows:
ε = KV^3 /(2*π-cell*b)
Thus, 2ε*b/KV^3 represents a dimensionless quantity where K is the minor loss coefficient (the drop in the pressure coefficient per baffle), b is the baffle spacing, and V is the average velocity flowing through the channel when the space is b.
For the optimized geometry below, the baffle spacing is fixed at .1, and baffle height enables a fully developed dissipation region:
The nondimensionalized epsilon plot is shown below:
The plot is equivalent to 50*ε (since (2*.1)/(.1^3*4.2)=48). Similarly for the 1-turn baffle case the nondimensional parameters can be plotted:
The nondimensional values for one turn are comparable in magnitude. Similarly for the three turn case, the nondimensional epsilon values match the five turn case.
For more nondimensionalized plots of epsilon for varying geometries see...