Lagrangian–Eulerian simulation of slugging fluidized bed

This work studies gas–solid slugging fluidized beds with Type-D particles, using two-dimensional simulations based on discrete element model (DEM). DEM performance is quantitatively validated by two commonly accepted correlations for determining slugging behavior. The voidage profiles simulated with bed height corresponding to Baeyens and Geldart (1974) correlation for onset of slugging demonstrate a transitional flow pattern from free bubbling to slugging. The present calculated values for the maximum slugging bed height are in good agreement with the correlation from Matsen et al. (1969). Simulations show that fluidized beds with Type-D particles can operate in the round-nosed slugging regime and also shows that wall slugs and square-nosed slugs tend to be formed with increase in superficial gas velocity and in bed height, respectively.     

Modeling and simulation of severe slugging in air–water pipeline–riser systems

A mathematical model, numerical simulations and stability and flow regime maps corresponding to severe slugging in pipeline–riser systems, are presented. In the simulations air and water were used as flowing fluids. The mathematical model considers continuity equations for liquid and gas phases, with a simplified momentum equation for the mixture, neglecting inertia. A drift-flux model, evaluated for the local conditions in the riser, is used as a closure law. The developed model predicts the location of the liquid accumulation front in the pipeline and the liquid level in the riser, so it is possible to determine which type of severe slugging occurs in the system. The numerical procedure is convergent for different nodalizations. A comparison is made with experimental results corresponding to a catenary riser, showing very good results for slugging cycle and stability and flow regime maps.     

An Eulerian–Lagrangian hybrid model for the coarse-grid simulation of turbulent liquid jet breakup

In this paper we present a numerical model for the coarse-grid simulation of turbulent liquid jet breakup using an Eulerian–Lagrangian coupling. To picture the unresolved droplet formation near the liquid jet interface in the case of coarse grids we considered a theoretical model to describe the unresolved flow instabilities leading to turbulent breakup. These entrained droplets are then represented by an Eulerian–Lagrangian hybrid concept. On the one hand, we used a volume of fluid method (VOF) to characterize the global spreading and the initiation of droplet formation; one the other hand, Lagrangian droplets are released at the liquid–gas interface according to the theoretical model balancing consolidating and disruptive energies. Here, a numerical coupling was required between Eulerian liquid core and Lagrangian droplets using mass and momentum source terms. The presented methodology was tested for different liquid jets in Rayleigh, wind-induced and atomization regimes and validated against literature data. This comparison reveals fairly good qualitative agreement in the cases of jet spreading, jet instability and jet breakup as well as relatively accurate size distribution and Sauter mean diameter (SMD) of the droplets. Furthermore, the model was able to capture the regime transitions from Rayleigh instability to atomization appropriately. Finally, the presented sub-grid model predicts the effect of the gas-phase pressure on the droplet sizes very well.     

Numerical simulation of flow over an airfoil in heavy rain via a two-way coupled Eulerian–Lagrangian approach

Airfoil performance degradation in heavy rain has attracted many aeronautical researchers’ eyes. In this work, a two-way momentum coupled Eulerian–Lagrangian approach is developed to study the aerodynamic performance of a NACA 0012 airfoil in heavy rain environment. Scaling laws are implemented for raindrop particles. A random walk dispersion approach is adopted to simulate raindrop dispersion due to turbulence in the airflow. Raindrop impacts, splashback and formed water film are modeled with the use of a thin liquid film model. The steady-state incompressible air flow field and the raindrop trajectory are calculated alternately through a curvilinear body-fitted grid surrounding the airfoil by incorporating an interphase momentum coupling term. Our simulation results of aerodynamic force coefficients agree well with the experimental results and show significant aerodynamic penalties at low angles of attack for the airfoil in heavy rain. An about 3° rain-induced increase in stall angle of attack is predicted. The loss of boundary momentum by raindrop splashback and the effective roughening of the airfoil surface due to an uneven water film are testified to account for the degradation of airfoil aerodynamic efficiency in heavy rain environment.     

Eulerian–Lagrangian bridge for the energy and dissipation spectra in isotropic turbulence

We study, numerically and analytically, the relationship between the Eulerian spectrum of kinetic energy, E _E(k, t), in isotropic turbulence and the corresponding Lagrangian frequency energy spectrum, E _L(ω, t), for which we derive an evolution equation. Our DNS results show that not only E _L(ω, t) but also the Lagrangian frequency spectrum of the dissipation rate ${\varepsilon_{\rm L} (\omega, t)}$ has its maximum at low frequencies (about the turnover frequency of energy-containing eddies) and decays exponentially at large frequencies ω (about a half of the Kolmogorov microscale frequency) for both stationary and decaying isotropic turbulence. Our main analytical result is the derivation of equations that bridge the Eulerian and Lagrangian spectra and allow the determination of the Lagrangian spectrum, E _L (ω) for a given Eulerian spectrum, E _E (k), as well as the Lagrangian dissipation, ${\varepsilon_{\rm L}(\omega)}$ , for a given Eulerian counterpart, ${\varepsilon_{\rm E} (k)=2\nu k^2 E_{\rm E}(k)}$ . These equations were derived from the Navier–Stokes equations in the sweeping-free coordinate system (intermediate between the Eulerian and Lagrangian frameworks) which eliminates the effect of the kinematic sweeping of the small eddies by the larger eddies. We show that both analytical relationships between E _L (ω) and E _E (k) and between ${\varepsilon_{\rm L} (\omega)}$ and ${\varepsilon_{\rm E} (k)}$ are in very good quantitative agreement with our DNS results and explain how ${\varepsilon_{\rm L} (\omega, t)}$ has its maximum at low frequencies and decays exponentially at large frequencies.     

Simulation of Single-Phase Multicomponent Flow Problems in Gas Reservoirs by Eulerian–Lagrangian Techniques

Over the past two decades most discussions of the simulation of miscible displacement in porous media were related to incompressible flow problems; recently, however, attention has shifted to compressible problems. The first goal of this paper is the derivation of the governing equations (mathematical models) for a hierarchy of miscible isothermal displacements in porous media, starting from a very general single-phase, multicomponent, compressible flow problem; these models are then compared with previously proposed models. Next, we formulate an extension of the modified method of characteristics with adjusted advection to treat the transport and dispersion of the components of the miscible fluid; the fluid displacement must be coupled in a two-stage operator-splitting procedure with a pressure equation to define the Darcy velocity field required for transport and dispersion, with the outer stage incorporating an implicit solution of the nonlinear parabolic pressure equation and an inner stage for transport and diffussion in which the mass fraction equations are solved sequentially by first applying a globally conservative Eulerian–Lagrangian scheme to solve for transport, followed by a standard implicit procedure for including the diffusive effects. The third objective is a careful investigation of the underlying physics in compressible displacements in porous media through several high resolution numerical experiments. We consider real binary gas mixtures, with realistic thermodynamic correlations, in homogeneous and heterogeneous formations.     

Analysis of unsteady gas–liquid flows in a rectangular tank: Comparison of Euler–Eulerian and Euler–Lagrangian simulations

We study the dynamics of gas–liquid flows experimentally and computationally in a rectangular bubble column where the gas source is introduced at the corner. The flow in this reactor is complex and inherently unsteady in nature. The two-dimensional liquid phase velocity field is calculated by an Eulerian approach solving the unsteady Reynolds Averaged Navier Stokes equations. The conservation equations are closed using a two parameter turbulence model. The two-way coupling was accounted for by adding source terms in the conservation equations of the continuous phase to take into account the interaction with the dispersed phase. Bubble tracking is achieved through a Lagrangian approach. Here the equations of motion are solved taking into account the drag, pressure, buoyancy and gravity forces. The time-averaged flows along with the variables which characterize turbulence are analyzed for a wide range of gas flow-rates using Euler–Lagrangian simulations. These simulation predictions are validated with Euler–Eulerian simulations where the gas-phase distribution is captured as a void fraction and PIV experiments. The motion of bubbles induces turbulence in the flow. The applicability of two parameter models for turbulence like the standard k–ε model on time-averaged flow properties is addressed. From the results of the time averaged velocity field, turbulence intensity, turbulent viscosity and gas hold-up profiles, it is concluded that the Euler–Lagrangian model is applicable at lower gas flow-rates. The Euler–Eulerian approach was found to be valid at lower as well as higher gas flow-rates.     

An Eulerian–Lagrangian Form for the Euler Equations in Sobolev Spaces

In 2000 Constantin showed that the incompressible Euler equations can be written in an “Eulerian–Lagrangian” form which involves the back-to-labels map (the inverse of the trajectory map for each fixed time). In the same paper a local existence result is proved in certain Hölder spaces \({C^{1,\mu}}\). We review the Eulerian–Lagrangian formulation of the equations and prove that given initial data in H ^s for \({n \geq 2}\) and \({s > \frac{n}{2}+1}\), a unique local-in-time solution exists on the n-torus that is continuous into H ^s and C ¹ into H ^s-1. These solutions automatically have C ¹ trajectories. The proof here is direct and does not appeal to results already known about the classical formulation. Moreover, these solutions are regular enough that the classical and Eulerian–Lagrangian formulations are equivalent, therefore what we present amounts to an alternative approach to some of the standard theory.     

Numerical simulation of terrain-induced severe slugging coupled by hydrodynamic slugs in a pipeline–riser system

A numerical study based on a one-dimensional two-fluid model is carried out to describe the transient hydrodynamic slugging and terrain-induced severe slugging in a pipeline–riser system. The system of equations is rendered well-posed by interfacial pressure model for the riser. The selected flow conditions are restricted in the well-posed region for the horizontal and the downward inclined pipes to ensure the hydrodynamic slug characteristics are predicted correctly. The validity of the model is examined by water faucet problem and horizontal slug flow experiments. Simulations with and without slug capturing are conducted to address the effect of hydrodynamic slugs on severe slugging. It has been found that more accurate predictions are obtained by taking hydrodynamic slugs into account. At low superficial gas velocity, the simulation without slug capturing tends to overestimate the severe slugging period. When hydrodynamic slugs are captured, the upstream gas expansion is suppressed by the hydrodynamic slugs. At relatively high superficial gas velocity, the simulation without slug capturing tends to underestimate the severe slugging period. When hydrodynamic slugs are captured, the upstream compressible volume is greatly enlarged by the blowout of the hydrodynamic slugs. In both situations, the influences of the hydrodynamic slugs can reduce the errors of the predicted severe slugging characteristics.     

High-order resolution Eulerian–Lagrangian simulations of particle dispersion in the accelerated flow behind a moving shock

This paper presents a computational study of the two-dimensional particle-laden flow developments of bronze particle clouds in the accelerated flow behind a moving normal shock. Particle clouds with a particle volume concentration of 4% are arranged initially in a rectangular, triangular and circular shape. Simulations are performed with a recently developed high-order resolution Eulerian–Lagrangian method that approximates the Euler equations governing the gas dynamics with the improved high order weighted essentially non-oscillatory (WENO-Z) scheme, while individual particles are traced in the Lagrangian frame using high-order time integration schemes. Reflected shocks form ahead of all the cloud shapes. The detached shock in front of the triangular cloud is weakest. At later times, the wake behind the cloud becomes unstable, and a two-dimensional vortex-dominated wake forms. Separated shear layers at the edges of the clouds pull particles initially out of the clouds that are consequently transported along the shear layers. Since flows separated trivially at sharp corners, particles are mostly transported out of the cloud into the flow at the sharp front corner of the rectangular cloud and at the trailing corner of the triangular cloud. Particles are transported smoothly out of the circular cloud, since it lacks sharp corners. At late times, the accelerated flow behind the running shock disperses the particles in cross-stream direction the most for the circular cloud, followed by the rectangular cloud and the triangular cloud.     

Four-way coupled Eulerian–Lagrangian Direct Numerical Simulations in a vertical laminar channel flow

Direct Numerical Simulations of a laminar two-phase flow into a vertical channel are investigated. An Eulerian–Lagrangian approach allows tracking each bubble position with a four-way coupling strategy, i.e. taking into account bubble-fluid and bubble-bubble interactions. The flow configuration has been chosen to highlight the buoyancy effects due to significant values of void fraction (high numbers of bubbles); hence the bubbles collisions and wall effects are the critical parameters to ensure the dispersion of the bubble plume. The DNS approach is self-consistent and does not rely on closure relations or empirical correlations for describing the collective bubble dynamics. It is found that the DNS predicts well the behavior of the bubble plume and its back effect on the liquid phase when compared with a mixture model and experimental data. The elastic nature of collisions, the sensitivity of the mean and RMS values of velocities and void fraction to the mesh quality are explored.     

Eulerian–Lagrangian 3-D simulations of unsteady two-phase gas–liquid flow in a rectangular column by considering bubble interactions

This work discusses the development of a three-dimensional Eulerian–Lagrangian CFD model for a gas–liquid flow in a rectangular column. The model resolves the time-dependent, three-dimensional motion of small gas bubbles in a liquid to simulate the dynamic characteristics of the oscillating bubble plume. Our model incorporates drag, gravity, buoyancy, lift, pressure gradient and virtual mass forces acting on a bubble rising in a liquid, and accounts for two-way momentum coupling between the phases. We use MUSIG model that provides a framework in which the population balance method together with the break up and coalescence models can be incorporated into three-dimensional CFD calculations. We use turbulent flow to describe liquid flow field. The standard κ–ε of turbulence is selected for calculating the properties of turbulent flow. The effect of aspect ratio of the column on the flow pattern, liquid velocity and gas hold-up profiles is discussed.     

Properties of the Eulerian–Lagrangian method using linear interpolators in a three-dimensional shallow water model using z-level coordinates

We investigate the impact of the inexact interpolation on the Eulerian–Lagrangian solution of the advection equation by combining numerical experiments and formal analysis. The simulations, respectively, using the Eulerian–Lagrangian method (ELM) and the upwind scheme are compared. The artificial resistance of the ELM is observed which is characterised by the higher free-surface elevation and the distorted turbulent properties at a smaller time step. Through analysis, we find that the abnormalities are caused by the fact the conventional linear interpolation does not adapt well to the nonlinear velocity distribution, which produces an advection computation error that increases with a decreasing time step. The phenomena are explained and an improved method ELM is proposed based on the illustrations and analysis. The new method combines the face-controlled interpolation and the adjustable sub time steps to skip the large computation error domain in the backtracking, and it is validated by the original test case.     

Modeling finite thickness slab perforation using a coupled Eulerian–Lagrangian approach

A coupled Eulerian–Lagrangian (CEL) method can be used to model many types of dynamic events. Projectile penetration through solids is particularly well-suited to a CEL method. In this study the CEL method in the commercially-available code Abaqus was used to model a near rigid projectile perforating finite thickness concrete slabs. A near rigid projectile can be modeled as a Lagrangian material with distinct material interfaces, while the solid target can be modeled as an Eulerian material capable of large deformations. An improved concrete constitutive model is also described that was implemented into Abaqus as a user material model. A simplified stochastic model was also implemented to capture some of the heterogeneous nature of concrete. The CEL simulations are compared to experimental data to demonstrate the utility of this method for this type of perforation event.     

Development of a fully Lagrangian MPS-based coupled method for simulation of fluid–structure interaction problems

A fully Lagrangian particle-based method is developed for simulating the FSI (Fluid–Structure Interaction) problems corresponding to incompressible fluid flows and elastic structures. First, the developed elastic structure model is verified by static and dynamic tests corresponding to a simple cantilever beam. The simulation results are compared with analytical and other researchers׳ numerical solutions. Then, the structure model is carefully coupled with a fluid model comprising of the so-called PNU-MPS (Pusan-National-University-modified Moving Particle Simulation) method and several recently developed enhanced schemes. The coupled fluid–structure method is applied to a dam break with an elastic gate and a violent sloshing flow with a hanging rubber baffle. The results of simulations are compared with those of the experiments by Antoci et al. (2007) and Idelsohn et al. (2008).     

Advancements in subsea riser analysis using quasi-rotations and the Newton–Raphson method

Beam structures undergoing finite deflections and rotations in space have extensive application in the subsea industry particularly for the analysis of holistic systems with larger numbers of mooring and riser components. In using the finite element analysis approach, there is an increasing requirement for large element sizes which preserve accuracy with regard to the coupling of axial, bending and torsion response.The authors outline a method for improving the current state of practice for the analysis of riser systems. The approach draws on the convected coordinates method, Euler–Bernoulli beam theory, the principle of virtual work and the finite element method. Two quasi-rotation measures are developed including a quasi-material rotation definition for rotational deformation relative to the convected axis of a beam and a quasi-space rotation definition to deal with the path dependent nature of rotations in three dimensions.The novel aspect of this work is to relate the rate of change of the quasi-material rotation vector along the beam axis to a linear transformation of the beam axis rate-of-rotation vector through utilising the convected coordinates axes system. In this way, incremental values of quasi-material rotation are directly linked to incremental values of nodal quasi-space rotation and a global Newton–Raphson solution technique for interconnecting beam elements is straightforward to assemble.Furthermore, this leads to accurate definitions of coupled axial, bending and torque response for beams with significant deflection. The approach has particular advantages in the analysis of subsea riser sections. Also, the accuracy of the solution is preserved for a fewer number of elements compared to alternative solutions for computationally sensitive load cases with highly non-linear loading regimes.     

Particle size distribution in CPFD modeling of gas–solid flows in a CFB riser

A computational particle fluid dynamics (CPFD) numerical method to model gas–solid flows in a circulating fluidized bed (CFB) riser was used to assess the effects of particle size distribution (PSD) on solids distribution and flow. We investigated a binary PSD and a polydisperse PSD case. Our simulations were compared with measured solids concentrations and velocity profiles from experiments, as well as with a published Eulerian-Eulerian simulation. Overall flow patterns were similar for both simulation cases, as confirmed by experimental measurements. However, our fine-mesh CPFD simulations failed to predict a dense bottom region in the riser, as seen in other numerical studies. Above this bottom region, distributions of particle volume fraction and particle vertical velocity were consistent with our experiments, and the simulated average particle diameter decreased as a power function with riser height. Interactions between particles and walls also were successfully modeled, with accurate predictions for the lateral profiles of particle vertical velocity. It was easy to implement PSD into the CPFD numerical model, and it required fewer computational resources compared with other models, especially when particles with a polydisperse PSD were present in the heterogeneous flow.     

Symmetries of the hyperbolic shallow water equations and the Green–Naghdi model in Lagrangian coordinates

The observation that the hyperbolic shallow water equations and the Green–Naghdi equations in Lagrangian coordinates have the form of an Euler–Lagrange equation with a natural Lagrangian allows us to apply Noether's theorem for constructing conservation laws for these equations. In this study the complete group analysis of these equations is given: admitted Lie groups of point and contact transformations, classification of the point symmetries and all invariant solutions are studied. For the hyperbolic shallow water equations new conservation laws which have no analog in Eulerian coordinates are obtained. Using Noether's theorem a new conservation law of the Green–Naghdi equations is found. The dependence of solutions on the parameter is illustrated by self-similar solutions which are invariant solutions of both models.