Investigation of turbulence modification in a non-reactive two-phase flow

In a two-phase flow the influence of a dispersed phase on the turbulence properties of a continuous phase, known as turbulence modification, is investigated. An experimental approach is discussed that is suitable for studying the decay of grid-generated turbulence in a vertically orientated wind tunnel with a cross-section large enough to avoid influences from walls. Phase Doppler anemometry is used to characterize both single and two-phase flow by measuring mean axial and radial velocity components, velocity fluctuations, turbulent kinetic energy, and integral time scales. By direct comparison of results from single- and two-phase flows, the feedback of the dispersed phase on the continuous phase can be isolated. The data is used to deduce a source term for particle-induced turbulence production appropriate for a numerical simulation of the flow, based on the Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations. Although of special importance for a detailed understanding of turbulent two-phase combustion, additional complexity introduced by evaporation and chemical reactions is avoided by using glass beads as dispersed phase.