Modified k-ε model for RP-3 kerosene in a horizontal circular tube at supercritical pressure

Experimental and numerical investigations of heat transfer and pressure drop of RP-3 are conducted at supercritical pressure (5.0 MPa) in a horizontal circular tube (d(in) = 1.9 mm). The inlet temperature and mass flow rate of fuel ranges from 423 to 673 K and 2.0 to 4.0 g/s, respectively. By correcting the coefficient C-epsilon 1 and C-epsilon 2 in epsilon-equation, a modified k-epsilon model is proposed. Results indicate that correction by decreasing values of C-epsilon 1 and increasing C-epsilon 2 is an effective method for modifying the standard k-epsilon model when simulating RP-3 under a supercritical condition. According to verification using experimental data, the modified k-epsilon model is found to be more suitable than the standard k-epsilon model for investigating heat transfer and pressure drop, and it could thus effectively solve the problem of the standard model related to under-prediction of these parameters. Furthermore, the modified k-epsilon model can reduce discrepancies between calculated and experimental results; most results from the modified model are within a 15% and 10% relative error range for pressure drop and Nusselt number, respectively, while those of the standard k-epsilon model are greater than 35% and 30%, respectively. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.