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Fixed Orifice

(To be removed) Hydraulic orifice with constant cross-sectional area

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The Hydraulics (Isothermal) library will be removed in a future release. Use the Isothermal Liquid library instead. (since R2020a)

For more information on updating your models, see Upgrading Hydraulic Models to Use Isothermal Liquid Blocks.

  • Fixed Orifice block

Libraries:
Simscape / Fluids / Hydraulics (Isothermal) / Orifices

Description

The Fixed Orifice block models a sharp-edged constant-area orifice, flow rate through which is proportional to the pressure differential across the orifice. The flow rate is determined according to the following equations:

q=CD⋅A2ρ⋅p(p2+pcr2)1/4

Δp=pA−pB,

where

qFlow rate
pPressure differential
pA, pBGauge pressures at the block terminals
CDFlow discharge coefficient
AOrifice passage area
ρFluid density
pcrMinimum pressure for turbulent flow

The minimum pressure for turbulent flow, pcr, is calculated according to the laminar transition specification method:

  • By pressure ratio — The transition from laminar to turbulent regime is defined by the following equations:

    pcr=(pavg+patm)(2−Blam)pavg=(pA+pB)/2

    where

    pavgAverage pressure between the block terminals
    patmAtmospheric pressure, 101325 Pa
    BlamPressure ratio at the transition between laminar and turbulent regimes (Laminar flow pressure ratio parameter value)

  • By Reynolds number — The transition from laminar to turbulent regime is defined by the following equations:

    pcr=ρ2(Recr⋅νCD⋅DH)2

    DH=4Aπ

    where

    DHOrifice hydraulic diameter
    νFluid kinematic viscosity
    RecrCritical Reynolds number (Critical Reynolds number parameter value)

The block positive direction is from port A to port B. This means that the flow rate is positive if it flows from A to B, and the pressure differential is determined as Δp=pA−pB,.

Variables

To set the priority and initial target values for the block variables prior to simulation, use the Initial Targets section in the block dialog box or Property Inspector. For more information, see Set Priority and Initial Target for Block Variables.

Nominal values provide a way to specify the expected magnitude of a variable in a model. Using system scaling based on nominal values increases the simulation robustness. Nominal values can come from different sources, one of which is the Nominal Values section in the block dialog box or Property Inspector. For more information, see Modify Nominal Values for a Block Variable.

Examples

Diesel Engine In-Line Injection System

Diesel Engine In-Line Injection System

An in-line multi-element diesel injection system. It contains a cam shaft, lift pump, 4 in-line injector pumps, and 4 injectors.

Assumptions and Limitations

  • Fluid inertia is not taken into account.

Ports

Conserving

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Hydraulic conserving port associated with the orifice inlet.

Hydraulic conserving port associated with the orifice outlet.

Parameters

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Orifice passage area.

Semi-empirical parameter for orifice capacity characterization. Its value depends on the geometrical properties of the orifice, and usually is provided in textbooks or manufacturer data sheets.

Select how the block transitions between the laminar and turbulent regimes:

  • Pressure ratio — The transition from laminar to turbulent regime is smooth and depends on the value of the Laminar flow pressure ratio parameter. This method provides better simulation robustness.

  • Reynolds number — The transition from laminar to turbulent regime is assumed to take place when the Reynolds number reaches the value specified by the Critical Reynolds number parameter.

Pressure ratio at which the flow transitions between laminar and turbulent regimes.

Dependencies

To enable this parameter, set Laminar transition specification to Pressure ratio.

The maximum Reynolds number for laminar flow. The value of the parameter depends on the orifice geometrical profile. You can find recommendations on the parameter value in hydraulics textbooks. The default value is 12, which corresponds to a round orifice in thin material with sharp edges.

Dependencies

To enable this parameter, set Laminar transition specification to Reynolds number.

Extended Capabilities

C/C++ Code Generation
Generate C and C++ code using Simulink® Coder™.

Version History

Introduced in R2006a

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R2023a: To be removed

The Hydraulics (Isothermal) library will be removed in a future release. Use the Isothermal Liquid library instead.

For more information on updating your models, see Upgrading Hydraulic Models to Use Isothermal Liquid Blocks.

See Also

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