A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model is applied to study the effect of non uniformity in the approach flow on vortices and swirl at a pump intake. The model is based on the solution of the Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations and a near-wall turbulence closure, and seeks steady-state solutions with different approach flow conditions, including non-symmetrical positioning of the pipe relative to the intake channel and imposed mean shear at the channel inlet. It is found that the number, location, size and intensity of free-surface vortices and swirl in the intake pipe are greatly affected by intake flow non uniformity.
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