Influence of Mass Loading on Particle-Laden Turbulent Pipe Flow

A CFD code in the framework of OpenFOAM was validated for simulations of particle-laden pipe and channel flows at low to intermediate mass loadings. The code is based on an Eulerian two-fluid approach with Reynolds-averaged conservation equations, including turbulence modeling and four-way coupling. Pipe flow simulations of particles in air against gravity were conducted at Reynolds numbers up to 50000. The particle mass loading was varied and its effect on the mean velocities and turbulent fluctuations of the two phases was studied. Special attention was paid to the influence of mass loading on the centerline velocity and the wall shear velocity of the fluid phase for various flow parameters and particle properties. Empirical correlations were established between these two quantities and the flow Reynolds number, particle Reynolds number, Stokes number and particle to fluid density ratio for a range of particle mass loadings. (© 2013 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Some experimental results on flow in a diverging 2D channel

The effect of the free stream turbulence (FST) on the essential flow characteristics was investigated in the diverging 2D channel. The diverging channel was modelled in the closed type working section by fastening a displacement body above the flat plate that is parallel with the wind-tunnel axis. The angle of the channel expansion 11 degree induced the pressure gradient parameter with the flow velocity U₀ 30 m/s at the start of expansion, x = 0. The height of the channel is 0.15 m at x = 0. FST was either natural 0.3 percent or amplified by turbulence generating grids/screens with turbulence levels up to 5 percent. (© 2013 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Advanced continuum modelling of gas-particle flows beyond the hydrodynamic limit

The accurate prediction of dilute gas-particle flows using Euler–Euler models is challenging because particle–particle collisions are usually not dominant in such flows. In other words, in dilute flows the particle Knudsen number is not small enough to justify a Chapman–Enskog expansion about the collision-dominated near-equilibrium limit. Moreover, due to the fluid drag and inelastic collisions, the granular temperature in gas-particle flows is often small compared to the mean particle kinetic energy, implying that the particle-phase Mach number can be very large. In analogy to rarefied gas flows, it is thus not surprising that two-fluid models fail for gas-particle flows with moderate Knudsen and Mach numbers. In this work, a third-order quadrature-based moment method, valid for arbitrary Knudsen number, coupled with a fluid solver has been applied to simulate dilute gas-particle flow in a vertical channel with particle-phase volume fractions between 0.0001 and 0.01. In order to isolate the instabilities that arise due to fluid-particle coupling, a fluid mass flow rate that ensures that turbulence would not develop in a single phase flow (Re = 1380) is employed. Results are compared with the predictions of a two-fluid model with standard kinetic theory based closures for the particle phase. The effect of the particle-phase volume fraction on flow instabilities leading to particle segregation is investigated, and differences with respect to the two-fluid model predictions are examined. The influence of the discretization on the solution of both models is investigated using three different grid resolutions. Radial profiles of phase velocities and particle concentration are shown for the case with an average particle volume fraction of 0.01, showing the flow is in the core-annular regime.     

A 3D non-linear k–ε turbulent model for prediction of flow and mass transport in channel with vegetation

The results from a 3D non-linear k–ε turbulence model with vegetation are presented to investigate the flow structure, the velocity distribution and mass transport process in a straight compound open channel and a curved open channel. The 3D numerical model for calculating flow is set up in non-orthogonal curvilinear coordinates in order to calculate the complex boundary channel. The finite volume method is used to disperse the governing equations and the SIMPLEC algorithm is applied to acquire the coupling of velocity and pressure. The non-linear k–ε turbulent model has good useful value because of taking into account the anisotropy and not increasing the computational time. The water level of this model is determined from 2D Poisson equation derived from 2D depth-averaged momentum equations. For concentration simulation, an expression for dispersion through vegetation is derived in the present work for the mixing due to flow over vegetation. The simulated results are in good agreement with available experimental data, which indicates that the developed 3D model can predict the flow structure and mass transport in the open channel with vegetation.     

Numerical simulation of indoor suspension particles based on v-f model

This paper presents a new algorithm for the prediction of indoor suspension particle dispersion based on a v²-f model. In order to handle the near-wall turbulence anisotropy properly, which is significant in the dispersion of fine particles, the particle eddy diffusivity is calculated using different formulae among regions of the turbulent core and in the vicinity of walls. The new algorithm is validated by several cases performed in two ventilated rooms with various air distribution patterns. The simulation results reveal that v²-f nonlinear turbulence model combined with a particle convective equation gives satisfactory agreement with the experimental data. It is generally found that the dynamic equation combined with the v²-f model can properly handle low Reynolds number (LRN) flows which are usually encountered in indoor air flows and fine particle dispersion.     

Statistical modeling of compressible turbulent channel flow

Several questions that are relevant to turbulence modeling are addressed on the basis of recently obtained direct numerical simulation results of turbulent supersonic channel flow. In particular, this concerns the turbulence frequency production mechanism, wall damping effects on turbulence model parameters, and the relevance of compressibility effects. Limited support is found for usually applied models for the turbulence frequency production and wall damping effects. In contrast to that it is shown that turbulence frequency production mechanisms and wall damping effects may be explained very well on the basis of a frequency scaling that characterizes mean flow changes. The influence of compressibility is found to be relevant. (© 2008 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Numerical study of sediment transport in turbulent two-phase flows around an obstacle

This paper numerically investigates the transport of dissolved and particulate pollutants in turbulent channel flows. We present a predictive hydrodynamic model in order to explore the dispersion phenomenon of a pollutant injected at a free surface around an obstacle. The air/water interface was modeled using the volume of fluid method (VOF). Numerical results agree well with experimental data and the penetration of pollutant released at different inlet positions of the channel is studied. The Lagrangian tracking of individual particles was performed, and the transport and deposition of various particle size, density and velocity in the channel were analyzed. The standard k–ε turbulence model was chosen for this simulation.We found that large particles with a density of 1600 kg/m³, a velocity of 2 m/s and a diameter higher than 70 mm are deposited around the obstacle and near the end sill of the channel, while particles of very small size (lower than 5 mm) remain suspended in the flow and arrive at the outlet of the channel without any deposition rate. This factor must be taken into account during the discharge of effluents and pollutants in coastal water.     

Micromorphic theory of turbulence

Based on the theory of micromorphic fluid dynamics (MMF), a new theory of turbulence is introduced. The law of conservation of microinertia of MMF is replaced by a balance law of microinertia, with all other laws remaining unchanged, the theory is called, “extended micromorphic fluid dynamics”. The present theory of turbulence is founded on the extended theory. Thus, a new theory of turbulence, is founded on the first principles, not using any a priori closure assumptions or semi-empirical hypothesis. Field equations are solved for the two-dimensional steady channel flow. The mean velocity turbulent shear stress and all turbulent velocities are in remarkably good agreement with the experimentally observed turbulent velocities.     

双尺度二阶矩颗粒相湍流模型经验系数的影响

基于将颗粒脉动分成湍流引起的大尺度脉动和颗粒间碰撞产生的小尺度脉动的概念,建立了双尺度二阶矩两相湍流模型．用该模型对下行床内两相流动进行了数值模拟,颗粒体积浓度、平均速度的计算结果和实验数据吻合较好．分析了双尺度二阶矩两相湍流模型经验系数变化对预报结果的影响:在经验系数的一定变化范围内,预报结果并无明显的影响,但是变化范围增大,预报结果会产生较大变化．     

DNS and scaling law analysis of compressible turbulent channel flow

Fully developed compressible turbulent channel flow (Ma = 0.8, Re = 3300) is numerically simulated, and the data base of turbulence is established. The statistics such as density-weighted mean velocity and RMS velocity fluctuations in semi-local coordinates agree well with those from other DNS data. High order statistics (skewness and flatness factors) of velocity fluctuations of compressible turbulence are reported for the first time. Compressibility effects are also discussed. Pressure-dilatation absorbs part of the kinetic energy and makes the streaks of compressible channel flow more smooth. The scaling laws of compressible channel flow are also discussed. The conclusions are: (a) Scaling law is found in the center area of the channel, (b) In this area, ESS is also found, (c) When Mach number is not very high, compressibility has little effect on scaling exponents.     

Local and instantaneous turbulence modification induced by small spherical bubbles

The paper provides insight into the local and instantaneous turbulence modification induced by small spherical bubbles in an upward directed turbulent channel flow. This is accomplished by analyzing each term of the transport equation of the local and instantaneous kinetic energy for bubbly flows and dedicated flow visualizations are provided to address the mechanisms involved in the turbulence modification. (© 2015 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

颗粒的有限尺寸对颗粒在均匀各向同性湍流中扩散的影响

本文指出固体颗粒对流体湍流运动的响应有不同的机理,颗粒受大涡的粘性拖动,但受小涡的随机碰撞.基于这种原理,本文计算了有限尺寸的固体颗粒在均匀各向同性湍流中的扩散.结果显示存在着二种相互抵消的效应:颗粒的惯性使颗粒长期扩散系数上升,而颗粒尺寸使颗粒的长期扩散系数下降.     

Numerical investigation of the effect of helix angle and leaf margin on the flow pattern and the performance of the axial flow cyclone separator

A two-stage turbulence model based on the RNG κ–ε model combined with the Reynolds stress model is developed in this paper to analyze the gas flow in an axial flow cyclone separator. Five representative simulation cases are obtained by changing the helix angle and leaf margins of the cyclone. The pressure field and velocity field of the five cases are simulated, and then the effects of helix angle and leaf margins on the internal flow field of the cyclone are analyzed. When the continuum fluid (air) flow is relatively convergent, the discrete particle phase is added into the continuous phase and the gas-solid two-phase flow is simulated. One-way coupling method is used to solve the two-phase flow and a stochastic trajectory model is implemented for simulation of the particle phase. Finally, the pressure drop and separation efficiency of one case are measured and compare quantitatively well with the numerical results, which validates the reliability and accuracy of the simulation method based on the two-stage turbulence model.     

Particle transport in a bottom-feed separation vessel

A two-dimensional, axisymmetric numerical model of particle separation in a bottom-feed separation vessel is presented. The model includes six separate particle classes and assumes that the settling velocity of each particle class is sufficiently small when compared to the high inflow turbulence levels that the effect of the particles on turbulence can be neglected. Low particle settling velocities coupled with low particle volume fractions allows application of a drift-flux multi-phase model. The comparison between numerical results and measured plant data is in good agreement for overflow of all particle classes. Results of simulations show that bottom feeding results in a negatively buoyant, particle-laden jet being formed in the core of the vessel. The fraction of large particles that is carried out through the overflow is found to be critically dependent on the inlet velocity. The most effective way to reduce carry-over of large particles at the same time as maintaining through-put is to increase the diameter of the inlet feed pipe.     

Three-dimensional numerical simulation of nonisotropic thermal density flow in a strongly curved open channel

The results from a 3D nonisotropic algebraic stress/flux turbulence model are presented to investigate the structure of thermal density flow and the temperature distribution in a strongly curved open channel (180° bend). The numerically simulated results show that (i) several secondary flows take place at the bend cross-section 90° of the curved open channel, the feature which is not found for the isothermal flows and thermal density flow in a straight channel, and (ii) the thermocline in a curved channel is thicker than that in a straight channel due to the secondary flows-induced strong mixing process taking place in the former. Such features may be ascribed to the complex interaction of the buoyant force, the centrifugal force and the Reynolds stresses taking place only in curved channels. The simulated results are in good agreement with available experimental data, which indicates that the developed model can be applied for predicting the motion of the nonisotropic thermal density flow in the curved open channel.     

Micromorphic theory of turbulence

Based on the theory of micromorphic fluid dynamics (MMF), a new theory of turbulence is introduced. The law of conservation of microinertia of MMF is replaced by a balance law of microinertia, with all other laws remaining unchanged, the theory is called, “extended micromorphic fluid dynamics”. The present theory of turbulence is founded on the extended theory. Thus, a new theory of turbulence, is founded on the first principles, not using any a priori closure assumptions or semi-empirical hypothesis. Field equations are solved for the two-dimensional steady channel flow. The mean velocity turbulent shear stress and all turbulent velocities are in remarkably good agreement with the experimentally observed turbulent velocities.     

Numerical modelling of subcritical open channel flow using the K-ε turbulence model and the penalty function finite element technique

A numerical model has been developed that employs the penalty function finite element technique to solve the vertically averaged hydrodynamic and turbulence model equations for a water body using isoparametric elements. The full elliptic forms of the equations are solved, thereby allowing recirculating flows to be calculated. Alternative momentum dispersion and turbulence closure models are proposed and evaluated by comparing model predictions with experimental data for strongly curved subcritical open channel flow. The results of these simulations indicate that the depth-averaged two-equation k-ε turbulence model yields excellent agreement with experimental observations. In addition, it appears that neither the streamline curvature modification of the depth-averaged k-ε model, nor the momentum dispersion models based on the assumption of helicoidal flow in a curved channel, yield significant improvement in the present model predictions. Overall model predictions are found to be as good as those of a more complex and restricted three-dimensional model.     

Mathematical modeling of turbulent fiber suspension and successive iteration solution in the channel flow

The modified Reynolds mean motion equation of turbulent fiber suspension and the equation of probability distribution function for mean fiber orientation are firstly derived. A new successive iteration method is developed to calculate the mean orientation distribution of fiber, and the mean and fluctuation-correlated quantities of suspension in a turbulent channel flow. The derived equations and successive iteration method are verified by comparing the computational results with the experimental ones. The obtained results show that the flow rate of the fiber suspension is large under the same pressure drop in comparison with the rate of Newtonian fluid in the absence of fiber suspension. Fibers play a significant role in the drag reduction. The amount of drag reduction augments with increasing of the fiber mass concentration. The relative turbulent intensity and the Reynolds stress in the fiber suspension are smaller than those in the Newtonian flow, which illustrates that the fibers have an effect on suppressing the turbulence. The amount of suppression is also directly proportional to the fiber mass concentration.     

A numerical study on statistical temporal scales in inertia particle dispersion

The statistical temporal scales involved in inertia particle dispersion are analyzed numerically. The numerical method of large eddy simulation, solving a filtered Navier-Stokes equation, is utilized to calculate fully developed turbulent channel flows with Reynolds numbers of 180 and 640, and the particle Lagrangian trajectory method is employed to track inertia particles released into the flow fields. The Lagrangian and Eulerian temporal scales are obtained statistically for fluid tracer particles and three different inertia particles with Stokes numbers of 1, 10 and 100. The Eulerian temporal scales, decreasing with the velocity of advection from the wall to the channel central plane, are smaller than the Lagrangian ones. The Lagrangian temporal scales of inertia particles increase with the particle Stokes number. The Lagrangian temporal scales of the fluid phase ‘seen’ by inertia particles are separate from those of the fluid phase, where inertia particles travel in turbulent vortices, due to the particle inertia and particle trajectory crossing effects. The effects of the Reynolds number on the integral temporal scales are also discussed. The results are worthy of use in examining and developing engineering prediction models of particle dispersion.     

A rate-dependent algebraic stress model for turbulence

Based on the stress transport model, a rate-dependent algebraic expression for the Reynolds stress tensor is developed. It is shown that the new model includes the normal stress effects and exhibits viscoelastic behavior. Furthermore, it is compatible with recently developed improved models of turbulence. The model is also consistent with the limiting behavior of turbulence in the inertial sublayer and is capable of predicting secondary flows in noncircular ducts. The TEACH code is modified according to the requirements of the rate-dependent model and is used to predict turbulent flow fields in a channel and behind a backward-facing step. The predicted results are compared with the available experimental data and those obtained from the standard k-ε and algebraic stress models. It is shown that the predictions of the new model are in better agreements with the experimental data.