Periodic oscillating flow field simulation device and method of use
By combining the left and right tipping buckets and guide plates, the flow direction and velocity are controlled by the liquid level difference, which solves the problems of complexity and reliance on water pump regulation in traditional devices and realizes efficient simulation of periodic oscillating flow field.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- WUHAN UNIV OF TECH
- Filing Date
- 2023-04-11
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-05
AI Technical Summary
Existing technologies are difficult to effectively simulate the periodic oscillating flow field generated by waves in a fixed body of water. Traditional flow field simulation devices are complex in structure and rely on water pumps to regulate the flow rate.
The system employs left and right tipping buckets and guide vanes working in tandem, controlling the flow direction and velocity through liquid level difference, and using electric push rods to drive the tipping buckets to rotate, thereby simulating a periodic oscillating flow field.
It achieves precise control of flow field simulation, with fast response speed, simple device structure, convenient maintenance, few parts, and small size.
Smart Images

Figure CN116399557B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the technical field of fluid mechanics experimental equipment, and more specifically, to a periodic oscillating flow field simulation device and its usage method. Background Technology
[0002] Marine and coastal engineering structures are subjected to the coupled effects of loads such as sea winds, waves, and ocean currents, making their design, construction, and safe operation extremely complex scientific and technological challenges. Although computational software simulations can be used, physical model testing is crucial for calibrating numerical model parameters, verifying the performance characteristics of numerical predictions, and providing physical evidence for new design concepts.
[0003] Currently, marine and coastal engineering experiments often employ segmented and isolated simulation methods: wind tunnel experiments are conducted separately on the superstructure to obtain wind load data; experiments on the substructure are conducted in a water tank or pool. Traditional wind tunnel laboratories, water tunnel laboratories, or water tank experimental devices can effectively simulate stationary flow fields. However, when studying the impact of wind and waves on riverbeds and dams in stationary water areas, traditional flow field simulation devices struggle to simulate the periodic oscillating flow fields generated by waves in stationary water areas.
[0004] A search revealed Chinese patent CN204612895U, published on September 2, 2015, which discloses a small flow field simulation tank. The tank includes a right grid and a left grid, dividing it into an inlet chamber, a laboratory chamber, and an outlet chamber. The inlet and outlet chambers are connected by a pipe, on which a water pump is installed. The pump promotes the flow of fluid within the tank, and adjusting the pump's flow rate adjusts the flow velocity, allowing for experiments with different flow velocities for related devices within the flow field. However, this patent has a relatively complex structure and requires a water pump to regulate the flow velocity. Summary of the Invention
[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a periodic oscillating flow field simulation device and a method of use, which realizes the simulation of periodic oscillating flow field through the coordinated action of left and right tipping buckets and guide plates.
[0006] The embodiments of this application are implemented as follows:
[0007] This application provides a periodic oscillating flow field simulation device, characterized in that it includes a water tank and a flow field direction adjustment mechanism. A guide plate is provided in the water tank, and a flow channel is formed between the bottom of the guide plate and the bottom of the water tank. The test piece is placed at the bottom center of the flow channel. The flow field direction adjustment mechanism is arranged on the left and right sides of the guide plate to form a left water collection cavity and a right water collection cavity. The left and right water collection cavities form a liquid level difference, changing the water flow direction of the flow channel.
[0008] In some optional implementations, the flow direction adjustment mechanism includes a left tipping bucket, a right tipping bucket, and a tipping bucket rotation drive. The left and right tipping buckets are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the guide plate, and their bottoms are hinged to the bottom of the water tank. The tipping bucket rotation drive is connected to the left and right tipping buckets respectively, and pushes the left and right tipping buckets to rotate around the hinge point.
[0009] In some alternative implementations, the deflector is a U-shaped right-angle bent plate structure with both sides covered with wear-resistant rubber.
[0010] In some alternative implementations, a support beam is provided at the top of the water tank corresponding to both sides of the guide plate, the support beam is connected to the top of the guide plate, and the tipping bucket rotation drive is mounted on the support beam.
[0011] In some alternative implementations, the back of the left and right tipping buckets is provided with crisscrossing reinforcing ribs.
[0012] In some alternative implementations, the tipping bucket rotation drive is an electric push rod.
[0013] A method for using a periodic oscillating flow field simulation device, characterized by comprising the following:
[0014] The guide plate is fixed in the water tank by a crossbeam. The test piece is placed at the bottom center of the flow channel. The bottom ends of the left and right tipping buckets are hinged and fixed to the bottom of the water tank, and the top ends are connected to an electric push rod fixed on the support crossbeam. The electric push rod controls the left and right tipping buckets to rotate left and right around their bottom ends. When the right tipping bucket rotates to the right and lowers, the left tipping bucket rotates to the right and rises. The liquid level on the left side of the water tank is higher than the liquid level on the right side, generating a flow field to the right. When the right tipping bucket rotates to the left and rises, the left tipping bucket rotates to the left and lowers. The liquid level on the right side of the water tank is higher than the liquid level on the left side, generating a flow field to the left. By changing the pressure difference between the left and right sides of the water tank, the flow velocity of the water in the experimental area in the middle of the water tank is precisely controlled, realizing the simulation of a periodic oscillating flow field.
[0015] The beneficial effects of this application are as follows: The periodic oscillating flow field simulation device and its usage method provided by this application utilize the liquid level difference between the two sides of the guide plate controlled by the left and right tipping buckets to control the flow direction and velocity of the flow field. The transmission chain is short and directly controlled by the electric push rod, resulting in fast response speed and high wave control accuracy. The device has a simple structure, few parts, small size, and is relatively convenient to maintain and use. Attached Figure Description
[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this application and should not be regarded as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0017] Figure 1 This is an isometric view of an embodiment of this application;
[0018] Figure 2 This is a top view of an embodiment of this application;
[0019] Figure 3 This is a front view of an embodiment of this application;
[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the rightward flow field in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation
[0021] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this application described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.
[0022] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of this application provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed application, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.
[0023] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.
[0024] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the product of this application is in use. They are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on this application. In addition, the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc., are only used to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.
[0025] Furthermore, terms such as "horizontal," "vertical," and "sag" do not imply that components must be absolutely horizontal or suspended, but rather that they can be slightly tilted. For example, "horizontal" simply means that its direction is more horizontal relative to "vertical," and does not mean that the structure must be completely horizontal, but can be slightly tilted.
[0026] In the description of this application, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "set up," "install," "connect," and "link" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.
[0027] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature being directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature being directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.
[0028] The features and performance of this application will be further described in detail below with reference to the embodiments.
[0029] like Figures 1-3 As shown, the present invention discloses a periodic oscillating flow field simulation device, including a water tank 1 and a flow field direction adjustment mechanism. A guide plate 2 is provided in the water tank, and a flow channel is formed between the bottom of the guide plate and the bottom of the water tank. The test piece 3 is placed at the bottom center of the flow channel. The flow field direction adjustment mechanism is set on the left and right sides of the guide plate to form a left water collection cavity and a right water collection cavity. The left and right water collection cavities form a liquid level difference, which changes the water flow direction of the flow channel.
[0030] In some alternative implementations, the flow direction adjustment mechanism includes a left tipping bucket 4, a right tipping bucket 5, and a tipping bucket rotation drive 6. The left and right tipping buckets are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the guide plate, and their bottoms are hinged to the bottom of the water tank. The tipping bucket rotation drive is connected to the left and right tipping buckets respectively, and pushes the left and right tipping buckets to rotate around the hinge point.
[0031] The flow field is generated by the tipping bucket rotation drive controlling the tipping bucket to rotate left and right around its bottom end; rotating the left and right tipping buckets at different angles can change the direction of the flow field, and changing the tipping bucket rotation angle changes the liquid level difference on both sides of the water tank.
[0032] In some alternative implementations, the deflector is a U-shaped right-angle bent plate structure with both sides covered with wear-resistant rubber.
[0033] In some alternative implementations, a support beam 7 is provided at the top of the water tank corresponding to both sides of the guide plate. The support beam is connected to the top of the guide plate, and the tipping bucket rotation drive is installed on the support beam.
[0034] In some alternative implementations, the back of the left and right tipping buckets is provided with interlaced reinforcing ribs 8.
[0035] In some alternative implementations, the tipping bucket rotation drive is an electric push rod.
[0036] The method of using the above-mentioned periodic oscillating flow field simulation device includes the following:
[0037] The guide plate is fixed in the water tank by a crossbeam. The test piece is placed at the bottom center of the flow channel. The bottom ends of the left and right tipping buckets are hinged and fixed to the bottom of the water tank, and the top ends are connected to an electric push rod fixed on the support crossbeam. The electric push rod controls the left and right tipping buckets to rotate left and right around their bottom ends. When the right tipping bucket rotates to the right and lowers, the left tipping bucket rotates to the right and rises. The liquid level on the left side of the water tank is higher than the liquid level on the right side, generating a flow field to the right. When the right tipping bucket rotates to the left and rises, the left tipping bucket rotates to the left and lowers. The liquid level on the right side of the water tank is higher than the liquid level on the left side, generating a flow field to the left. By changing the pressure difference between the left and right sides of the water tank, the flow velocity of the water in the experimental area in the middle of the water tank is precisely controlled, realizing the simulation of a periodic oscillating flow field.
[0038] The test specimen is usually a sample with the same composition and structure as the riverbed or dam to be studied. A specified flow field is simulated, and the changes and processes of the structural state of the specimen under the flow field are observed.
[0039] The specific flow rate control process is as follows:
[0040] In the initial state, the angles α1 and α2 between the left and right tipping buckets and the horizontal plane are both π / 3 rad. Assume that the height of the still water surface at this time is H.
[0041] like Figure 4 As shown, to ensure no fluid overflows, the left and right tipping buckets rotate to arbitrary angles at relatively high speeds, where 0 < α1, α2 ≤ π / 2. At this time, the water surface heights h1 and h2 on the left and right sides are respectively:
[0042] In the formula: l—the horizontal distance between the bottom of the tipping bucket and the vertical plate of the guide vane on that side.
[0043] The height difference Δh between the water head on the left and right sides of the guide plate is: Δh=h1-h2;
[0044] The flow rate Q in the channel is:
[0045] The flow velocity v inside the channel is:
[0046] The final flow velocity inside the channel is (defined as positive to the right):
[0047]
[0048] In the formula: B—width of the inner surface of the water tank;
[0049] L—Length of the fairing;
[0050] h — channel height;
[0051] s — Specific resistance of the flow channel.
Claims
1. A device for simulating periodic oscillating flow fields, characterized in that, The device includes a water tank and a flow direction adjustment mechanism. The water tank is equipped with a guide plate, and a flow channel is formed between the bottom of the guide plate and the bottom of the water tank. The test piece is placed at the bottom center of the flow channel. The flow direction adjustment mechanism is set on the left and right sides of the guide plate to form a left water collection cavity and a right water collection cavity. The left water collection cavity and the right water collection cavity form a liquid level difference, which changes the water flow direction of the flow channel. The flow direction adjustment mechanism includes a left tipping bucket, a right tipping bucket, and a tipping bucket rotation drive. The left and right tipping buckets are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the guide plate, and their bottoms are hinged to the bottom of the water tank. The tipping bucket rotation drive is connected to the left and right tipping buckets respectively, and pushes the left and right tipping buckets to rotate around the hinge point.
2. The periodic oscillating flow field simulation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The guide plate is a U-shaped right-angle bent plate structure with wear-resistant rubber covering both sides.
3. The periodic oscillating flow field simulation device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The top of the water tank is provided with a support beam corresponding to the two sides of the guide plate. The support beam is connected to the top of the guide plate, and the tipping bucket rotation drive is installed on the support beam.
4. A periodic oscillating flow field simulation device according to claim 1 or 3, characterized in that, The back of the left and right tipping buckets is provided with crisscrossing reinforcing ribs.
5. The periodic oscillating flow field simulation device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The tipping bucket rotation drive is an electric push rod.
6. The method of using the periodic oscillating flow field simulation device according to claim 5, characterized in that, Includes the following: The guide plate is fixed in the water tank by the support beam. The test piece is placed at the bottom center of the flow channel. The bottom ends of the left and right tipping buckets are hinged and fixed to the bottom of the water tank, and the top ends are connected to the electric push rod fixed on the support beam. The electric push rod controls the left and right tipping buckets to rotate left and right around their bottom ends. When the right tipping bucket rotates to the right and lowers, the left tipping bucket rotates to the right and flips up. The liquid level on the left side of the water tank is higher than the liquid level on the right side, generating a flow field to the right. When the right tipping bucket rotates to the left and flips up, the left tipping bucket rotates to the left and lowers, so that the liquid level on the right side of the water tank is higher than the liquid level on the left side, generating a flow field to the left. By changing the pressure difference between the left and right sides of the water tank, the flow velocity of the water in the experimental area in the middle of the water tank is precisely controlled, realizing the simulation of a periodic oscillating flow field.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Small-size flow field simulation basin
CN204612895U
Flow field wave simulation basin for experiments
CN204666334U
Water tank test system for simulating multi-field coupling effect of offshore structure
WO2022021586A1