Development of 2D Axisymmetric Acoustic Transient and CFD Based Erosion Model for Vibro Cleaner Using COMSOL Multiphysics

Abstract

In cleaning industries, vibro cleaner has been used to remove contamination like dust, dirt, oil, etc., from out of reach or critical surfaces of the objects. This process is completely safe for human and eco-friendly toward nature. The aim of this research is to investigate cavitation erosion phenomenon by presenting pressure acoustic transient model of COMSOL Multiphysics for vibro cleaner. By using COMSOL Multiphysics, acoustic and CFD approaches have been coupled to gather to achieve great results in sound pressure level, acoustic pressure, velocity of fluid flow, particle trajectory and erosion rate. Piezoelectric transducer is attached to generate pressure waves in liquid media by converting electric energy into mechanical vibration through tank wall transience. Due to pressure difference in liquid, cavitation bubbles have been produced which creates turbulence in acoustic streaming fluid flow and can be studded by using bubbly flow module. Also, particle tracing module and finnie erosion module have been used to understand the particle trajectory and erosion phenomenon. Based on cleaning contaminants, different frequencies like 28 and 40 kHz have been applied for evaluating various process parameters. Here, Lead zirconium titanate (PZT-4) piezoelectric transducer is used to improve pressure generation rates and also reduces a cleaning process time.