Large eddy simulation combined with equivalent diameter for turbulent jet modelling and gas dispersion

Abstract

CFD modelling combines transport phenomena and numerical approaches to solve physical problems. Although numerical modelling of flow scenarios is the cutting edge of flow modelling, there seems to be room for improvement. This paper proposes an approach for jet modelling in a low Mach number computational code. The methodology is based on the equivalent diameter and velocity profile calculated downstream from the jet leak orifice. The novel model DESQr (Diameter of Equivalent Simulation for Quicker Run) is combined with LES (Large Eddy Simulation) to calculate the gas jet profile due to accidental releases. The model is implemented in the framework of FDS (Fire Dynamics Simulator) and the open source code is modified to handle gas dispersion scenarios. Numerical findings for jet modelling and gas dispersion are compared with experimental data. The results are also compared with a commercial CFD tool. Good agreement is observed. Significant computational time reduction is achieved. A free open source CFD tool emerges and the results presented in this work are promising.