New semi three-dimensional approach for simulation of Lamb wave clamp-on ultrasonic gas flowmeter

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to numerically simulate the Lamb wave propagation through a clamp-on ultrasonic gas flowmeter (UGF) in contact mode, using a new semi three-dimensional approach. Moreover, experimental and analytical modeling results for transit time difference method have been used to confirm the simulation results at different gas flow velocities from 0.3 to 2.4 m/s.

Design/methodology/approach

The new semi three-dimensional approach involves the simulation of the flow field of the gas in a three-dimensional model and subsequently the simulation of wave generation, propagation and reception in a two-dimensional (2D) model. Moreover, the analytical model assumes that the wave transitions occur in a 2D mode.

Findings

The new approach is a semi three-dimensional approach used in this work, has better accuracy than a complete 2D simulation while maintaining the computing time and costs approximately constant. It is faster and less expensive than a complete 3D simulation and more accurate than a complete 2D simulation. It was concluded that the new approach could be extended to simulate all types of ultrasonic gas and non-gas flowmeters, even under harsh conditions.

Originality/value

In this work, a new approach for the numerical simulation of all types of ultrasonic flowmeters is introduced. It was used for simulation of a Lamb wave ultrasonic flow meter in contact mode.

Citation

Mousavi, S.F., Hashemabadi, S.H. and Jamali, J. (2020), "New semi three-dimensional approach for simulation of Lamb wave clamp-on ultrasonic gas flowmeter", Sensor Review, Vol. 40 No. 4, pp. 465-476. https://doi.org/10.1108/SR-08-2019-0203