Multidimensional numerical simulation of thermodynamic and oscillating gas flow processes of a Gifford-McMahon cryocooler

Abstract The Gifford-McMahon cryocoolers are considered to be prominent candidates for the cooling of high-temperature superconducting magnets, liquefaction of permanent gases, helium recondensation in magnetic resonance imaging machines, cooling of superconducting quantum interference device, etc. In this paper, multi-dimensional numerical simulation is performed to visualize the oscillating heat and fluid flow processes that happen in a mechanically driven GM cryocooler. Influence of the ideal gas equation and real gas equation of states on the cooling behaviour is explained. The minimum achievable refrigeration temperature of a uniform mesh regenerator is compared with a multi-mesh regenerator. It is noticed that a multi-mesh regenerator produces a lower refrigeration temperature as compared to a uniform mesh regenerator. In addition to this, a one-dimensional simulation is conducted and results are compared with multi-dimensional numerical simulation. The no-load temperature value calculated by the one-dimensional model and multi-dimensional model with ideal gas is lower than that of real gas equations. Additionally, the refrigerating capacity calculated by the one-dimensional model and multi-dimensional model with the ideal gas equation is higher than those of the real gas equation of state.