Visualize the Flow

In this step, we'll use a results plane to view the flow through our valve.

1. Click Planes from the Results tab:

2. To create a Plane, click Add on the Planes context panel:

You should see this:

3. To rotate the plane, left click on it, and click Z from the Context dialog:

You should see this:

What is this image telling you?

1. The orange regions on the sides of the poppet mean that the flow is accelerating through the gap.
2. The flow on the trailing side of the poppet seems to be recirculating. We'll be able to tell more when we look at vectors a little later.
3. The flow accelerates off the inside corner as it turns toward the outlet.

4. To see the pressure drop through the valve, right click on the plane, click Result, and then Static Pressure:

You should see this:

This plot helps us to understand how much pressure the flow loses as it moves through the valve. The pressure dips pretty low as it turns the corner. Fortunately it's not so low that cavitation will be an issue.

In the next step, we use vectors to get a better understanding of the flow.

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