CFD Analysis of Heat Transfer in a Throttling Needle Valve
Keywords:
CFD, ANSYS Fluent, Needle Valve, Throttling Valve, ANSYS simulation, Computational Fluid DynamicsAbstract
This study presents a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)-based analysis of heat transfer in a throttling needle valve under steady-state conditions. When fluid flows through a partially restricted passage, a sharp pressure drop and velocity increase occur, resulting in significant viscous dissipation and localized heat generation. The objective is to quantify thermal effects, evaluate their spatial distribution, and examine their influence on fluid properties and valve performance. A three-dimensional CFD model was developed using ANSYS Fluent with a pressure-based solver, k–ω SST turbulence model, and energy equation including viscous dissipation. Water was used as the working fluid with an inlet pressure of 10 psi, outlet pressure of 0 psi, and 30% valve opening. Results indicate a peak temperature of approximately 79.5 °C at the needle tip and orifice, along with a fluid temperature rise of 5–10 °C and a mass flow rate of 547.95 kg/s. Turbulent flow behavior with recirculation zones was observed. These findings emphasize the necessity of incorporating thermal considerations in the design of high-pressure throttling systems.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Atharva Pacharne, Devesh Balwantrao (Author)
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