QUESTION: Solving for the velocity profile of a Newtonian fluid in a pipe using COMSOL
Multiphysics involves a series of steps. Here is a step-by-step guide to setting up and solving
the problem.
1. Model Setup
1. Start COMSOL and select the Model Wizard.
2. Choose the 2D Axisymmetric space dimension to simplify the 3D pipe problem into a 2D
model.
3. In the Select Physics section, add the Laminar Flow (spf) module.
4. Choose a Stationary study type since the flow is fully developed and not changing over time.
2. Geometry Creation
1. Define the pipe's geometry by creating a Rectangle.
1. Set the dimensions: Width to L=4.88 m and Height to R=0.0025 m. This rectangle represents a
cross-section of the pipe.
3. Material Properties
1. Go to the Materials section and add a new material.
2. Specify the fluid's properties, specifically the dynamic viscosity (μ). Set the value to
μ=0.492Pa.s.
4. Boundary Conditions
1. Inlet: Apply a pressure of Pin=Δp=2.8×105Pa at the inlet boundary.
2. Outlet: Set the outlet pressure to Pout=0Pa (gauge pressure). The pressure difference is what
drives the flow.
3. Wall: Apply a No Slip condition to the pipe wall boundary (the line at r=R). This sets the
velocity at the wall to zero, satisfying the condition v(R)=0.
4. Symmetry Axis: The 2D Axisymmetric setting automatically handles the centerline
boundary condition, ensuring that the velocity gradient drdv(0)=0.
5. Meshing and Computation
1. In the Mesh section, use the default mesh or refine it for higher accuracy, especially near the
wall.
2. Click the Compute button to solve the model. COMSOL will discretize the governing
equations and solve for the velocity field.