Numerical simulation and design optimization of a circulating water channel on hydrodynamic flow performance

The Circulating Water Channel (CWC) is a device commonly utilized in maritime engineering for hydrodynamic experiments. The ability to generate a high-quality flow field is a critical criterion for evaluating the device, and thus, improving key parts of the CWC device can significantly increase this ability. In this paper, a numerical model based on the RANS method is established to investigate the hydrodynamic performance of the circulating water channel’s finite section. First, associated analyses and optimizations for the turning vanes and contraction section are performed. Following confirmation that adding a honeycomb can greatly improve the flow field, the hole type and length diameter ratio are investigated further. After integrating the components, the flow field properties are examined at various flow velocities. The main findings demonstrate that flow field’s uniformity can be enhanced using the right number of turning vanes. Applying the Witozinsky transition curve to the contraction section can produce a better pressure gradient and increase the efficiency of contraction selection. The best rectification result is achieved by a honeycomb with a square shape and a slenderness ratio of 9. By varying flow velocities, the most uniform flow field area occurs at 4 m to 16 m from the outlet of the contraction section. This model can better simulate the dynamic characteristics of the flow field in the 3D CWC and serve as the foundation for the design of multifunctional CWC equipment for wind, wave, and flow.