Session: 03-11 Hydrogen & Alternative fuels

Paper Number: 101467

101467 - Numerical Investigation of the Flow Structure of Cryogenic Hydrogen in Corrugated Metal Flexhoses Due to Fluid Structure Interactions 

In this paper, details of flow field characteristics and pressure drop of cryogenic hydrogen in corrugated metal flexhoses will be numerically evaluated using multiphase flow physics coupled with fluid structure interactions. Multiphase flow regime is often influenced by concentration ratio, shape factor, and orientation of the piping. Corrugated metal flexhoses are commonly used as part of cryogenic commodity transportation for their ability to operate in a large range of temperatures and pressures with a high degree of geometric flexibility. These sharp changes in the geometry of the flexhose convolutions are one of the leading factors of liquid and gas phase entrainment which can significantly reduce the efficiency of piping systems and fuel delivery systems to the engine components. The entrained gas phase hydrogen can eventually propagate in successive convolutes leading into the permeant entrapment of the gas phase hydrogen in the corrugations. The volume fraction up to 5% gas phase with various convolute heights and pitch will be evaluated, with a hose length to diameter ratio (L/D) range between 20 to 60 and a Reynolds number range between 5 000 to 350 000 based on the hose hydraulic diameter. The findings of the study contribute to a better understanding of multiphase flow physics of hydrogen in corrugated metal flexhoses.

Presenting Author: Patrick K. Tran Kennedy Space Center

Presenting Author Biography: Patrick Tran is a Ph.D. Candidate at the University of Central Florida and also a Pathways Intern at NASA - Kennedy Space Center. He received a masters in biomedical engineering and mechanical engineering at the University of Central Florida with a concentration in thermal-fluid mechanics. His research interest include numerical optimization, turbine cooling, and flow induced vibration.

Authors:

Patrick K. Tran Kennedy Space Center
Jared F. Congiardo Kennedy Space Center
Craig R. Fortier Kennedy Space Center
Erik Fernandez University of Central Florida
Jayanta S. Kapat University of Central Florida