Computational fluid dynamics can be used as a useful design tool for studying new furnace configurations with different operating conditions. However, this potential cannot be realized until the numerical models that are used in the simulations are fully validated against experimental results. In the present work, the combustion process in an experimental regenerative, slab reheat furnace was simulated in order to validate several numerical models in the FLUENT code. A total of 14 cases employing different numerical models were simulated with a uniform fuel distribution. Out of the 14 cases, only 11 obtained a converged solution. The results from these 11 cases were compared against experimental measurements in terms of the energy input and output rates and the temperature distribution in the center of the slab. The three best cases in terms of both accuracy and computational effort were cases that employed the k-epsilon turbulence model, the Delta Thesis, and a constant absorption coefficient. These three cases were simulated again using a second set of operating conditions in order to evaluate their performance in the case of a non-uniform fuel distribution. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)Dept. of Mechanical, Automotive, and Materials Engineering. Paper copy at Leddy Library: Theses u26 Major Papers - Basement, West Bldg. / Call Number: Thesis1998 .T98. Source: Masters Abstracts International, Volume: 39-02, page: 0585. Adviser: C. Zhang. Thesis (M.A.Sc.)--University of Windsor (Canada), 1999.
展开▼
