A Comparative Study of Internal Flow Dynamic Using CFD: Simulation of Turbulent Flow in Diffuser Pipes

Abstract

Diffusers play an important role in fluid flow systems by reducing fluid velocity and converting the kinetic energy into pressure energy, which improves system effectiveness and reduces pressure losses. However, optimizing diffuser geometry is challenging due to the complex relationship between velocity, pressure distribution, and turbulence, which traditional analytical methods struggle to capture accurately. This research addresses this problem by using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) with ANSYS Fluent to simulate fluid flow through a diffuser pipe, aiming to improve pressure recovery and minimize energy losses. The simulation focuses on the impact of diffuser geometries on key flow characteristics such as velocity reduction, pressure distribution, and turbulence effects. By modelling steady-state, incompressible water flow at room temperature and comparing results with theoretical predictions, the study provides insights into optimizing diffuser design. The findings demonstrate the advantages of CFD in accurately predicting complex flow behaviours, offering valuable guidance for enhancing diffuser efficiency in various engineering applications.