ON THE THERMAL IMPACT ON FLOW DYNAMICS IN A FORCED CONDUIT: A COMBINED NUMERICAL SIMULATION AND EXPERIMENTAL MEASUREMENT APPROACH

Fluid dynamics studies within academic programs often focus on idealized scenarios, neglecting the exploration of real-world complexities. This paper aims to fill this gap by investigating the thermal impacts on flow dynamics within forced conduits, which are crucial for understanding processes in hydroelectric power generation. The work employs a combined numerical simulation and experimental approach to explore the relationship between variations in water temperature and flow velocity. Theoretical modeling, based on Navier-Stokes equations and the Bernoulli theorem, guides the numerical simulations, while physical models are tested through experimental setups that replicate conditions found in hydroelectric stations. Results reveal intricate connections between temperature changes, flow dynamics, and the potential for energy production. Received: June 7, 2024Accepted: July 30, 2024