Numerical modeling of a two-stage GM cryocooler

Abstract A 3D-CFD modeling of a two-stage Gifford-McMahan (GM) cryocooler has been conducted using a commercial software, Ansys-CFX. The model contained a quarter of the cryocooler geometry that was simplified to include major functional components and approximated to be axisymmetric. Advanced Ansys-CFX features, such as dynamic meshing, turbulence options, and porous models were used to set up the model. The solutions to illustrate overall flow and heat transfer mechanisms were obtained and presented in this paper. The numerical results were discussed and compared against available experimental data.