Validation of Modern CFD Software in Backward Facing Step and Glass Cell Geometries

Abstract The key issues with the utilization of CFD software for corrosion prediction in complex geometries are the method of implementation and confidence in the results obtained. To overcome these issues, simulations have been performed which replicate systems from which experimental data has also been obtained which allows for the direct comparison of the experimental data with predictions obtained from the simulations. The appropriate turbulence models are selected to account for the hydrodynamics of the system, mass transfer models with chemical and electrochemical reactions are input into the software which allows for the simulation of both water chemistry and corrosion. Presented herein is work investigating corrosion phenomena in a backward facing step, similar to a sudden pipe expansion, as well as a 2L glass cell, a common geometry for laboratory testing. In both geometries hydrodynamics, mass transfer, and electrochemistry have been simulated at a variety of conditions; the accuracy of the results were confirmed through comparison with experimental data. Both geometries showed a high degree of agreement between the simulations and the experimental work, indicating that the methodology is viable to be used in other geometries.