A Numerical Study on Optimal Capsule Shape for a Closed Pneumatic Capsule-type Pipeline system

摘要

The Pneumatic Capsule Pipeline System (PCPS) has been shown to the attention of transportation system.The experiment of operating efficiency for the PCPS is conducted by both variations of the pipe line configuration and the shape of the capsules.However, detail information couldn't find out because capsule move too fast in the pilot PCPS.So, it is needed to investigate the flow characteristics of the capsule geometry as it is related to transportation capability.Computational fluid dynamics(CFD) is a good tool to research the flow characteristics around the capsule's guide rings and the capsule geometry.CFD was conducted by 3D-capsule with different size guide rings and existence of rubber wheel.As a result of analysis, drag force was also measured according to various shapes.The gap between the pipe and the capsule is a significant impact on the efficiency of the capsule.The larger the diameter of the guide ring can be seen that the reduced pressure drop.