Coriolis Flowmeter: FSI Simulation in the Frequency Domain
Application ID: 51831
Coriolis flowmeters, also known as mass flowmeters or inertial flowmeters, measure the mass flow rate of a fluid traveling through it. It makes use of the fact that the fluid's inertia through an oscillating tube causes the tube to twist in proportion to the mass flow rate. Typically, the density and thereby the volumetric flow rate can also be assessed using the device. Coriolis flowmeters are valued for their accuracy and are used in areas such as hydrogen storage and transportation, food and beverage, life sciences, and chemicals, to name a few.
This model is based on an example from literature and shows how to simulate a generic Coriolis flowmeter with a curved geometry. When the fluid passes through the elastic structure (a curved duct), it interacts with the movement of the duct when vibrating. The phase difference between the deformation of two points on the duct is caused by the Coriolis effect and can be used to evaluate the mass flow rate through the system.
The example is modeled in the COMSOL Multiphysics® software using the Linearized Navier-Stokes, Frequency Domain interface coupled to the Solid Mechanics interface using the built-in multiphysics coupling. The background mean flow is modeled using the Turbulent Flow, SST interface. In this way, fluid–structure interaction (FSI) can be modeled efficiently in the frequency domain.
Learn more in the related blog post: "Modeling Aeroacoustics with the Linearized Navier-Stokes Equations".
This model example illustrates applications of this type that would nominally be built using the following products:
however, additional products may be required to completely define and model it. Furthermore, this example may also be defined and modeled using components from the following product combinations:
The combination of COMSOL® products required to model your application depends on several factors and may include boundary conditions, material properties, physics interfaces, and part libraries. Particular functionality may be common to several products. To determine the right combination of products for your modeling needs, review the Tabella delle Funzionalità and make use of a free evaluation license. The COMSOL Sales and Support teams are available for answering any questions you may have regarding this.