Influence of Gate Lip Angle on Downpull Forces for Vertical Lift Gates

Abstract Underestimation of hydrodynamic downpull force is one the most dangerous risks when operating a vertical lift gate. The acting on gate affected by geometry. purpose this study to investigate influence lip angle gates using Flow-3D®, commercial CFD software. Simultaneously, performance Flow-3D® in estimating evaluated. investigated simulating flow under different angles at openings. setup numerical model similar experiment used Naudascher 1964. Results show that higher angle, bottom coefficient. Majority results good agreement with experimental results. Case 2 30% opening and case 3 50% 60% showed obvious deviation from due separation occurred lip. This could be limitations Fractional Area-Volume Obstacle Representation (FAVOR) method employed which part smaller than mesh cell not exactly reproduced.