Accuracy assessment of the Non-Ideal Computational Fluid Dynamics model for siloxane MDM from the open-source SU2 suite

The first-ever accuracy assessment of a computational model for Non-Ideal Compressible-Fluid Dynamics (NICFD) flows is presented. The assessment relies on a comparison between numerical predictions, from the open-source suite SU2, and pressure and Mach number measurements of compressible fluid flows in the non-ideal regime. Namely, measurements regard supersonic flows of siloxane MDM (Octamethyltrisiloxane, C₈H₂₄O₂Si₃) vapor expanding along isentropes in the close proximity of the liquid–vapor saturation curve. The model accuracy assessment takes advantage of an Uncertainty Quantification (UQ) analysis, to compute the variability of the numerical solution with respect the uncertainties affecting the test-rig operating conditions. This allows for an uncertainty-based assessment of the accuracy of numerical predictions. The test set is representative of typical operating conditions of Organic Rankine Cycle systems and it includes compressible flows expanding through a converging–diverging nozzle in mildly-to-highly non-ideal conditions. All the considered flows are well represented by the computational model. Therefore, the reliability of the numerical implementation and the predictiveness of the NICFD model are confirmed.