Modeling Internal Flow - probably very simple solution 1

[vuccj7]

hey everyone, i've worked extensively in solidworks and because of my new job have had to switch to ansys. i have successfully imported the model in question into ansys workbench and can generate meshes but cannot select certain surfaces as inlet/outlet boundaries. i've run through all the tutorials and cannot figure out how to model flow through a structure (i've seen plenty of pictures online to show it can be done!)

to make the question simple: i import a simple hollow tube elbow with given thickness, how do i model the flow *through* the tube? i can only seem to get flow characteristics if i redraw the joint as a solid body and run analysis on that (i.e. the inverse of the hollow tube -- essentially saying places where flow is allowed is solid body-which is meshed and i can select the inlet/outlet- and walls are the absence of material).

do i have to create what is known as 'lids' in solidworks to allow this?

i've spent way too much time trying to figure this out and any help is greatly appreciated. i've attached a photo of an ansys image from the web. i'd like to achieve this type of flow analysis, only tailored to my designs.

 

[Baldy217]

First, the picture you showed is from a fluid-structure interaction analysis. I think you are only interested in the flow inside the pipe. Right?

Second, to perform a CFD analysis, you need to model the fluid volume. You need to suppress all solid bodies. Then you apply the boundary conditions.

This video should clear things up :

http://www-harwell.ansys.com/demoroom/details.php?id=8,32

 

[vuccj7]

you are correct in your first assertion; i am interested only in the fluid flow inside the pipe. the demo provided is precisely what i was looking for. thank you very kindly.