Physical and computational fluid dynamic modelling of the hydrodynamics of the flow regime within a storm drainage vortex flow control device

The device's performance is defined by three phases: Initiation, Transition, and Vortex. Understanding the flow regime during these phases is key to optimizing the device.<br><br>The Transition Phase (TP) is particularly significant, as high peripheral velocities create chaotic flow movements until the vortex stabilizes, forming an air core that restricts the outflow.

This study presents both physical and Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) modelling of hydrodynamics within a storm drainage VFC device.<br><br>For the experiments, an industrial-scale VFC device made of acrylic was used for its optical clarity, allowing image analysis to capture the internal flow regime. The outlet configurations were altered to study their impact on the device’s performance. Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) experimentation, conducted with a Dantec Dynamic laser system, helped analyses flow magnitude and direction.<br><br>Chapters 4 and 5 discuss the intelligence extracted from the experimental data using dynamic studio software, offering suggestions for optimizing the VFC device.