1National Institute for Freshwater Fisheries Research, P.M.B 6006, New Bussa, Niger State, Nigeria
2Civil Engineering Department, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria
In this research, numerical simulation of thermal diffusion in outdoor concrete fish pond was conducted. Experimental determination of temperature variation in the walls of concrete fish ponds was carried out to establish parameters for the simulation. Transient numerical simulation of the thermal diffusion across the thickness of the concrete wall was also carried out in ANSYS to determine change in temperature with time. Using the condition of inner maximum temperature of 49°C and final outer temperature of 40.691°C for dry concrete fish pond and inner maximum temperature of 39°C and final outer temperature of 32.077°C for wet concrete fish pond, graphical and analytical methods were used to validate the results. From the study, the results show that the present of water in the pond reduces the effect of high temperature on the concrete fish pond. In conclusion, the thermal penetration on the concrete wall and the intermittent heating and cooling of the concrete fish pond creates the fatigue which leads to cracking. Since this heating effect was found to be critical in the empty pond, it is recommended that even after harvesting of fish from the fish pond, the pond should be filled with water to avoid thermal cracking as a result of thermal diffusion in the concrete.
Concrete fish pond, Thermal diffusion, Transient simulation and Cracks
