Pressure drop in corrugated pipes: A numerical approach

This thesis analyzes the pressure drop and determines the friction coefficients in corrugated pipes, which are of critical importance for efficiency in industrial applications. Experimental data from a total of eight pipes, taken from two different articles, were compared with CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) analyses to observe their compatibility with the literature. The numerical solution was carried out using a software based on the finite volume method. The process was validated by comparing the results for corrugated pipes with pressure drop formulas from the literature, using plain pipes of the same dimensions as a control. The SST k-omega turbulence model was used for the turbulent flow analysis. The friction coefficient was calculated using the Darcy-Weisbach equation and analyzed comparatively. The results show that the pressure drop in corrugated pipes is approximately seven times greater than in plain pipes. It was also observed that the flow mechanism in corrugated pipes is more complex compared to plain pipes. The study confirms that the formulas used in previous works fall within the tolerance of error, and that the friction factor has been accurately determined.