Custom Code for Gas‑Dynamic Pipe Networks in Centrifuge Cascades

Developed for the Advanced Technologies Company and the Nuclear Science & Technology Research Institute of Iran, this project produced a numerical solver capable of simulating the full gas-dynamic network of centrifuge cascades — including centrifuges, control pressure valves, and inter-connecting pipework — under both steady-state and transient conditions. The model enables engineers to predict pressure, flow, and holdup distribution during commissioning, decommissioning, and feed-flow variations.

Compressible Flow Transient & Steady Simulation Cascade Hydrodynamics

Purpose & capability

Numerical simulation of pressure and flow fields across any cascade configuration.
Dynamic coupling between pipes, control valves, and centrifuges.
Predicts equilibrium time and gas holdup after flow transients.
Supports control-valve tuning to achieve target cascade cut and stability.

Outcomes

Validated against MATLAB Simscape transient models (<10% error).
Identified critical stages with highest feed loads and vibration risk.
Showed how gradual feed ramp-up suppresses reverse flows at start-up.
Formed basis for industrial software “HSSC – Hydrodynamic Simulation of Separation Cascades”.

Technical scope

Flow equations

Solves coupled continuity–momentum ODE/PDE set for isothermal compressible gas in pipes using implicit finite-difference (Crank–Nicolson).

Component models

Includes control-valve throttling, gas-centrifuge pumping and storage, and junction pressure balancing via secant iteration.

Simulation engine

Time-marching solver built in MATLAB with modular data structure for arbitrary cascade geometries.

Publication

Annals of Nuclear Energy (2022) — Numerical simulation of hydrodynamic performance of taper cascades in transient conditions. DOI