Project period: 4 22 24-4 21 25PROJECT title: development of a multiphysics model to simulate flow and thermal processes of the 3D heat pulse flowmeterheat pulse flowmeters are devices typically…

Project period: 4 22 24-4 21 25PROJECT title: development of a multiphysics model to simulate flow and thermal processes of the 3D heat pulse flowmeterheat pulse flowmeters are devices typically deployed in aquifer boreholes to measure groundwater flow speed and direction. They work on the principle of inversely computing groundwater flow by measuring the time needed for heat pulse signals to travel from a centralized heater to a set of thermistors located within the device. A new flowmeter design currently under development at the university of idahos center for ecohydraulic research (CER) and at the rapid creek research, INC. (RCR) in boise, idaho, aims to have a large group of thermistors arranged on two equidistant planes from the central heating element to enable characterization of groundwater flow field in all three directions. This 3D flowmeter device will be a significant advancement over commonly used 2D flowmeters and is further being designed for remote monitoring and long-term field deployments. In support of the design, development, and testing of this 3D flowmeter, this project will develop multiphysics models to numerically simulate flow and thermal processes within the confined spaces of the device when they are submerged in groundwater. The numerical model will not only aid in the development of the optimal design of the 3D flowmeter, but IT will also be used as a tool in calibration of tanks used to test the flowmeter. Specific activities performed under the project would consist of: 1) providing modeling support to the design of flow tank for evaluating, testing, and validating groundwater flowmeter design 2) constructing a multiphysics model of the 3D flowmeter using widely used simulation software, comsol 3) conducting model refinement to determine an efficient and effective simulation environment 4) testing of the analytical model (being used in CER and rcrs study) and validation using laboratory tests of the flowmeter 5) perform a range of simulations to ascertain optimal design parameters of the flowmeters and 6) document the findings in a short report as well as in a peer-reviewed journal article. At the conclusion of the project in august 2025, the details of the multiphysics model and findings of the project will be made available via a short report. Additionally, the data generated during the project, including heat and velocity fields, will be shared with CER and RCR collaborators in formats suitable for project integration. The project outcomes are not only expected to support the ongoing 3D flowmeter research and development project but will also produce new knowledge related to groundwater flow field characterization for the wider scientific community.