Learn more about SimHydraulics

Fixed Orifice - Simulate hydraulic orifice with constant cross-sectional area

Library

Orifices

Description

The Fixed Orifice block models a sharp-edged constant-area orifice, flow rate through which is proportional to the pressure differential across the orifice. The model accounts for the laminar and turbulent flow regimes by monitoring the Reynolds number (Re) and comparing its value with the critical Reynolds number (Re_cr). The flow rate is determined according to the following equations:

where

`q`	Flow rate
`p`	Pressure differential
`p_A,p_B`	Gauge pressures at the block terminals
`C_D`	Flow discharge coefficient
`A`	Orifice passage area
`D_H`	Orifice hydraulic diameter
ρ	Fluid density
ν	Fluid kinematic viscosity

The block positive direction is from port A to port B. This means that the flow rate is positive if it flows from A to B, and the pressure differential is determined as .

Basic Assumptions and Limitations

The model is based on the following assumptions:

Fluid inertia is not taken into account.
The transition between laminar and turbulent regimes is assumed to be sharp and taking place exactly at Re=Re_cr.

Dialog Box and Parameters

Orifice area: Orifice passage area. The default value is 1e-4 m^2.
Flow discharge coefficient: Semi-empirical parameter for orifice capacity characterization. Its value depends on the geometrical properties of the orifice, and usually is provided in textbooks or manufacturer data sheets. The default value is 0.7.
Critical Reynolds number: The maximum Reynolds number for laminar flow. The transition from laminar to turbulent regime is supposed to take place when the Reynolds number reaches this value. The value of the parameter depends on orifice geometrical profile, and the recommendations on the parameter value can be found in hydraulic textbooks. The default value is 12, which corresponds to a round orifice in thin material with sharp edges.

Global Parameters

Fluid density: The parameter is determined by the type of working fluid selected for the system under design. Use the Hydraulic Fluid block or the Custom Hydraulic Fluid block to specify the fluid properties.
Fluid kinematic viscosity: The parameter is determined by the type of working fluid selected for the system under design. Use the Hydraulic Fluid block or the Custom Hydraulic Fluid block to specify the fluid properties.

Ports

The block has the following ports:

A: Hydraulic conserving port associated with the orifice inlet.
B: Hydraulic conserving port associated with the orifice outlet.