2-D Dynamic Analysis of a Pressure Relief Valve by CFD

This paper presents a study of dynamic characteristics of spring loaded relief valve and the turbulent flow of water through it by using CFD in 2-Dimensions. Mesh deformation due to the fluid-solid interaction between the valve disc and the surrounding fluid and CEL expressions determined by solving a dynamics equation of forces acting on the valve disc, are used to account for the motion of the valve disc under different inlet pressure conditions. The velocity and pressure distribution through the valve at each time step are obtained. Especially, this simulation presents the different effects of the flowing fluid acting on different part of disc, and thus identifies the critical part/region, which has significant effect on the transient response of the system. The results provide a better understanding of motion and flow characteristics of a relief valve and thus are helpful to the relief valve design process. Key-Words: Pressure relief valve, Dynamic analysis, CFD, Mesh deformation, Lift force