Coriolis Flow Meter

DB #51831
Background and Motivation

 A Coriolis flow meter, also known as a mass flow meter or an inertial flow meter, is used to measure the mass flow rate of a
fluid traveling through it. Typically, the density and hence the volumetric flow rate can also be assessed using the device. This
model shows how to simulate a generic Coriolis flow meter with a curved geometry.
 When a fluid passes through an elastic structure (a curved duct) it will interact with the movement of the duct when vibrating.
The phase difference between the deformation of two points on the duct is caused by the Coriolis effect and can be used to
evaluate the mass flow rate through the system.
 This is modeled in COMSOL Multiphysics using the Linearized Navier-Stokes, Frequency Domain interface coupled to the Solid
Mechanics interface using the built in multiphysics coupling. The background mean flow is modeled using the Turbulent Flow,
SST interface. In this way FSI (fluid-structure interaction) can be modeled efficiently in the frequency domain.
Model Setup

 The geometry and flow conditions are taken from the

reference: Stephanie Enz, "Factors Affecting Coriolis
Flowmeter Accuracy, Precision, and Robustness," Ph.D.
thesis, Technical University of Denmark (DTU), 2010. (see
next slide)
 In this model the Adiabatic formulation of the governing
equations is used. This is a good approximation in liquids
like water where the viscous dissipation effects are more
important than
the thermal.
Model Setup

Harmonic actuation

Outlet

Measurement of the deformation to

extract the phase difference

Solid (steel)

Actuation at natural frequency fd = 164.5 Hz

Fluid (water) Mass flow rate ranging from 0.2 to 2 kg/s
Inlet for background
mean flow
The Background Flow

 The flow is calculated with the SST turbulence model for inlet mass flow rates ranging from 0.2 to 2 kg/s. In this model both
the flow and the acoustics are solved on the
same mesh.
 The background flow solution is mapped to intermediate shape functions. This is done for two reasons:
- Smooth the solution slightly.
- Make the CFD interface results available also in the PML domains.

2 kg/s
Eigenmodes of Structure

 An eigenfrequency analysis is carried out on the structure to find its natural frequency. This frequency is used to excite the
coupled model.
Acoustics: Linearized Navier-Stokes

 The frequency response of the system including structure and background flow effects is modeled solving the linearized
Navier-Stokes equations.

Pressure RMS velocity

Acoustics: Linearized Navier-Stokes

 Non-symmetrical deflection of the structure to a symmetric load due to the background mean flow. The amplitude and phase
is exaggerated in the plot.
Acoustics: Linearized Navier-Stokes

 Phase difference calibration curve used to predict mass

flow through the Coriolis flow meter.