A Numerical Comparison of 2D and 3D CFD Modelling for Contraction and Expansion Geometries with an Emphasis on Solid Particles Erosion

Abstract

In this study, erosion patterns and magnitude are compared between the outputs of 2D and 3D CFD models in contraction and expansion geometries. ANSYS Fluent software was used to model a circular cross-section geometry with a contraction and the results were compared to published experimental data. The simulation findings showed that there is good agreement between the 2D and 3D CFD models and the experimental data in terms of fluid flow properties such as velocity profiles and magnitude. It also demonstrated that the 2D and 3D CFD models' representations of erosion patterns and magnitudes are equivalent. The 3D CFD simulations were able to provide more information than the 2D CFD simulations, particularly in terms of erosion distribution over the entire geometry.