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Virginia Tech

Using Simulink to Develop a One-Dimensional, Two-Phase Fluid Model

Abstract

dc:description.abstract

In this thesis, a one-dimensional, two-fluid model is developed in MATLAB-Simulink. The model features a mass, momentum, and energy balance for each fluid--an ideal gas and an incompressible liquid. The simulation may model a straight pipe section, or a pipe section that involves a cross-sectional area change. Rough models of interphase heat transfer and interphase friction are included. Currently, phase change is not modeled in the simulation Also, a single-fluid model was developed before the two-fluid model, as an intermediate step in developing the two-fluid model. The single-phase simulation applies a mass, momentum, and energy balance for the single fluid, and ideal gas. The single-fluid model was validated by incompressible flow, Fanno flow, and isentropic flow models. The incompressible model demonstrated the simulations ability to properly balance pressure and frictional forces. The Fanno flow model showed that the simulation could capture compressibility effects. The isentropic flow model validation verified that the simulation could model area change properly. The two-fluid model was validated using the Homogeneous Equilibrium Model (HEM). An analytical model of HEM flow with frictional pressure drop was developed to compare against the simulation results. To achieve the HEM, interphase effects were tuned so that the liquid and gas phases had similar temperatures and velocities. Under these conditions, the simulation matched the analytical model. The thesis goal is to create a solid foundation for an open-source, one-dimensional, two-fluid model that is easier to use and modify than current nuclear system analysis software.

Degree

thesis:*
Name thesis:degree_name
Master of Science
Level thesis:degree_level
masters
Discipline thesis:degree_discipline
Mechanical Engineering
Department dc:contributor.department
Mechanical Engineering
Grantor dc:publisher
Virginia Tech
Year dc:date.issued
2014

Author and committee

dc:creator, dc:contributor.*
Author dc:creator
  • Yarrington, James Edward
Chair dc:contributor.committeechair
  • Kornhauser, Alan A.
Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember
  • Masterson, Robert E.
  • Liu, Yang

Subjects

dc:subject × 4

Rights

dc:rights
Statement dc:rights
  • In Copyright

Identifiers

dc:identifier.*
Dc Identifier Other
vt_gsexam:2133
OAI identifier oai:identifier
oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/25299

Chain of custody

source
Harvested from
Virginia Tech
Base URL
vtechworks.lib.vt.edu/oai/request
Last updated
2026-07-22
Source record
OAI-PMH GetRecord
citation

Yarrington, James Edward. Using Simulink to Develop a One-Dimensional, Two-Phase Fluid Model. masters thesis, Virginia Tech, 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/10919/25299