Numerical Analysis on the Pressure Characteristics in a Snubber for Hydrogen Compressor

The objective of this study is to find the optimum design of a snubber using CFD analysis. Several dimensions such as snubber height(H), snubber diameter(D), buffer width and buffer angle are considered in this study. The present study shows that the CFD can be applied to study the pressure characteristics inside the snubber. The objective of the snubber design optimization are to minimize a pressure loss and the pulsation ratio. Numerical results such as particle track, pressure distribution and turbulent kinetic energy are used to analyze the critical area and pressure behavior inside the snubber. As a result, snubber model with H/D ratio of 3.23 and buffer angle of has a minimum pressure loss. On the other hand, snubber model with H/D ratio 4.41 and buffer angle has a minimum pulsation ratio.