NUMERICAL PREDICTION OF TWO-PHASE FLOW IN BUBBLE COLUMNS

A numerical model is described for the prediction of turbulent continuum equations for two-phase gas–liquid flows in bubble columns. The mathematical formulation is based on the solution of each phase. The two-phase model incorporates interfacial models of momentum transfer to account for the effects of virtual mass, lift, drag and pressure discontinuities at the gas–liquid interface. Turbulence is represented by means of a two-equation k–ϵ model modified to account for bubble-induced turbulence production. The numerical discretization is based on a staggered finite-volume approach, and the coupled equations are solved in a segregated manner using the IPSA method. The model is implemented generally in the multipurpose PHOENICS computer code, although the present appllications are restricted to two-dimensional flows. The model is applied to simulate two bubble column geometries and the predictions are compared with the measured circulation patterns and void fraction distributions.     

Numerical simulation of compressible two-phase flow using a diffuse interface method

In this article, a high-resolution diffuse interface method is investigated for simulation of compressible two-phase gas–gas and gas–liquid flows, both in the presence of shock wave and in flows with strong rarefaction waves similar to cavitations. A Godunov method and HLLC Riemann solver is used for discretization of the Kapila five-equation model and a modified Schmidt equation of state (EOS) is used to simulate the cavitation regions. This method is applied successfully to some one- and two-dimensional compressible two-phase flows with interface conditions that contain shock wave and cavitations. The numerical results obtained in this attempt exhibit very good agreement with experimental results, as well as previous numerical results presented by other researchers based on other numerical methods. In particular, the algorithm can capture the complex flow features of transient shocks, such as the material discontinuities and interfacial instabilities, without any oscillation and additional diffusion. Numerical examples show that the results of the method presented here compare well with other sophisticated modeling methods like adaptive mesh refinement (AMR) and local mesh refinement (LMR) for one- and two-dimensional problems.     

Simulating gas–liquid multiphase flow using meshless Lagrangian method

A multiphase flow model has been established based on a moving particle semi‐implicit method. A surface tension model is introduced to the particle method to improve the numerical accuracy and stability. Several computational techniques are employed to simplify the numerical procedure and further improve the accuracy. A particle fraction multiphase flow model is developed and verified by a two‐phase Poiseuille flow. The multiphase surface tension model is discussed in detail, and an ethanol drop case is introduced to verify the surface tension model. A simple dam break is simulated to demonstrate the improvements with various modifications in particle method along with a new boundary condition. Finally, we simulate several bubble rising cases to show the capacity of this new model in simulating gas–liquid multiphase flow with large density ratio difference between phases. The comparisons among numerical results of mesh‐based model, experimental data, and the present model, indicate that the new multiphase particle method is acceptable in gas–liquid multiphase fluids simulation. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Propagation of Bleustein–Gulyaev wave in 6 mm piezoelectric materials loaded with viscous liquid

The influence of a viscous liquid on acoustic waves propagating in elastic or piezoelectric materials is of particular significance for development of liquid sensors. Bleustein–Gulyaev wave is a shear-type surface acoustic wave and has the advantage of not radiating energy into the adjacent liquid. These features make the B–G wave sensitive to changes in both mechanical and electrical properties of the surrounding environment. The Bleustein–Gulyaev wave has been reported to be a good candidate for liquid sensing application. In this paper, we investigate the potential application of B–G wave in 6 mm crystals for liquid sensing. The explicit dispersion relations for both open circuit and metalized surface boundary conditions are given. A numerical example of PZT-5H piezoelectric ceramic in contact with viscous liquid is calculated and discussed. Numerical results of attenuation and phase velocity versus viscosity, density of the liquid and wave frequency are presented. The paper is intended to provide essential data for liquid senor design and development.     

Numerical simulation of 3D free surface flows,with multiple incompressible immiscible phases. Applications to impulse waves

A numerical method for the solution to the density‐dependent incompressible Navier–Stokes equations modeling the flow of N immiscible incompressible liquid phases with a free surface is proposed. It allows to model the flow of an arbitrary number of liquid phases together with an additional vacuum phase separated with a free surface. It is based on a volume‐of‐fluid approach involving N indicator functions (one per phase, identified by its density) that guarantees mass conservation within each phase. An additional indicator function for the whole liquid domain allows to treat boundary conditions at the interface between the liquid domain and a vacuum. The system of partial differential equations is solved by implicit operator splitting at each time step: first, transport equations are solved by a forward characteristics method on a fine Cartesian grid to predict the new location of each liquid phase; second, a generalized Stokes problem with a density‐dependent viscosity is solved with a FEM on a coarser mesh of the liquid domain. A novel algorithm ensuring the maximum principle and limiting the numerical diffusion for the transport of the N phases is validated on benchmark flows. Then, we focus on a novel application and compare the numerical and physical simulations of impulse waves, that is, waves generated at the free surface of a water basin initially at rest after the impact of a denser phase. A particularly useful application in hydraulic engineering is to predict the effects of a landslide‐generated impulse wave in a reservoir. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Direct 2D simulation of small gas bubble clusters: from the expansion step to the equilibrium state

A numerical strategy, based on an adaptive finite element method, is proposed for the direct two‐dimensional simulation of the expansion of small clusters of gas bubbles within a Newtonian liquid matrix. The velocity and pressure fields in the liquid are first defined through the Stokes equations and are subsequently extended to the gas bubbles. The liquid–gas coupling is imposed through the stress exerted on the liquid by gas pressure (ruled by an ideal gas law) and by surface tension. A level set method, combined with a mesh adaptation technique, is used to track liquid–gas interfaces. Many numerical simulations are presented. The single bubble case allows to compare the simulations to an analytical model. Simulations of the expansion of small clusters are then presented showing the interaction and evolution of the gas bubbles to an equilibrium state, involving topological rearrangements induced by Plateau's rule. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Application of local grid refinement to vortex motion due to a solitary wave passing over a submerged body

A numerical method based on the streamfunction–vorticity formulation is applied to simulate the two‐dimensional, transient, viscous flow with a free surface. This method successfully uses the locally refined grid in an inviscid–viscous model to explore the processes of vortex formation due to a solitary wave passing over a submerged bluff body. The two particular bodies considered here are a blunt rectangular block and a semicircular cylinder. Flow visualization to track dyelines is carried out in the laboratory in order to confirm the validity of the numerical results. Numerical results examined by different grid configurations ensure the locally refined grid to be useful in practical application. Flow phenomena, including the vortex motion and wave patterns during non‐linear wave–structure interaction, are also discussed. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Numerical study of breaking waves by a two‐phase flow model

A two‐phase flow model, which solves the flow in the air and water simultaneously, is presented for modelling breaking waves in deep and shallow water, including wave pre‐breaking, overturning and post‐breaking processes. The model is based on the Reynolds‐averaged Navier–Stokes equations with the k ?ε turbulence model. The governing equations are solved by the finite volume method in a Cartesian staggered grid and the partial cell treatment is implemented to deal with complex geometries. The SIMPLE algorithm is utilised for the pressure‐velocity coupling and the air‐water interface is modelled by the interface capturing method via a high resolution volume of fluid scheme. The numerical model is validated by simulating overturning waves on a sloping beach and over a reef, and deep‐water breaking waves in a periodic domain, in which good agreement between numerical results and available experimental measurements for the water surface profiles during wave overturning is obtained. The overturning jet, air entrainment and splash‐up during wave breaking have been captured by the two‐phase flow model, which demonstrates the capability of the model to simulate free surface flow and wave breaking problems.Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A numerical study of the behaviour of a gas–liquid interface subjected to periodic vertical motion

A numerical study has been undertaken to examine the behaviour of a gas liquid interface in a vertical cylindrical vessel subjected to a sinusoidal vertical motion. The computational method used is based on the simplified marker‐and‐cell method and includes a continuum surface model for the incorporation of surface tension. The numerical results indicate that the surface tension has very little effect on the period and amplitude of oscillations of the interfacial waves. The stability of the interfacial waves has been found to depend on the initial pressure pulse disturbance, and exponential growth of the interfacial wave has been observed in some cases. The influence of the amplitude and frequency of the forcing oscillations has also been investigated. The results are in good agreement with available experimental and analytical solutions. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Simulation of non‐linear free surface motions in a cylindrical domain using a Chebyshev–Fourier spectral collocation method

When a liquid is perturbed, its free surface may experience highly non‐linear motions in response. This paper presents a numerical model of the three‐dimensional hydrodynamics of an inviscid liquid with a free surface. The mathematical model is based on potential theory in cylindrical co‐ordinates with a σ‐transformation applied between the bed and free surface in the vertical direction. Chebyshev spectral elements discretize space in the vertical and radial directions; Fourier spectral elements are used in the angular direction. Higher derivatives are approximated using a collocation (or pseudo‐spectral) matrix method. The numerical scheme is validated for non‐linear transient sloshing waves in a cylindrical tank containing a circular surface‐piercing cylinder at its centre. Excellent agreement is obtained with Ma and Wu's [Second order transient waves around a vertical cylinder in a tank. Journal of Hydrodynamics 1995; Ser. B4 : 72–81] second‐order potential theory. Further evidence for the capability of the scheme to predict complicated three‐dimensional, and highly non‐linear, free surface motions is given by the evolution of an impulse wave in a cylindrical tank and in an open domain. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Numerical simulation of pollutant transport acted by wave for a shallow water sea bay

A numerical model of pollutant transport acted by water waves on a shallow‐water mild‐slope beach is established in this study. The numerical model is combined with a wave propagation model, a multiple wave‐breaking model, a wave‐induced current model and a pollutant convection–dispersion model. The wave propagation model is based on the higher‐order approximation of parabolic mild‐slope equation which can be used to simulate the wave refraction, diffraction and breaking in a large area of near‐shore zone combined with the wave‐breaking model. The wave‐induced current model is established using the concept of the radiation stress and considering the effect of bottom resistance caused by waves. The numerical model is verified by laboratory experiment results of regular and irregular waves over two mild beaches with different slopes. The numerical results agree well with experimental results. The numerical model has been applied in the near‐shore zone of Bohai bay in China. It is concluded that pollutant transport parallel to the shoreline due to the action of waves, which will induce serious pollution on the beach. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Experimental and numerical study on the falling film flow characteristics outside circular tube applied in floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) under offshore conditions

Spiral wound heat exchanger (SWHE) relying on falling film evaporation and boiling is often used for FLNG. The performance of SWHE can be impacted strongly by the motion of the FLNG caused by the wave and typhoon. The falling film characteristics of SWHE outside circular tube are studied experimentally and numerically by a visualization experimental device based on the high-speed camera and a numerical model based on the dynamic grid. The results show that the wave crest of the liquid film moves to the titled side under offshore conditions. The evolution process of falling film flow pattern outside circular tube with the tilt angle of 9° can be divided into four stages: droplet formation and migration, liquid column formation and migration, liquid column coalescence, liquid sheet formation. A correlation permitting the prediction of the falling film flow pattern outside circular tube and the other one permitting the prediction of the average film thickness of circular tube are developed respectively based on the experimental and numerical data.     

Numerical simulation of interaction between wind and 2D freak waves

This paper presents a newly developed approach for the numerical modelling of wind effects on the generation and dynamics of freak waves. In this approach, the quasi arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian finite element method (QALE-FEM) developed by the authors of this paper is combined with a commercial software (StarCD). The former is based on the fully nonlinear potential model, in which the wind-excited pressure is modelled using a modified Jeffreys' model [9]. The latter has a volume of fluid (VOF) solver which can handle violent air–wave interaction problems. The combination can simulate the interaction between freak waves and winds with an improved computational efficiency. The numerical approach is validated by comparing its predictions with experimental data. Satisfactory agreements are achieved. Detailed numerical investigations of the interaction between winds and 2D freak waves are carried out, which not only explore different air flow states but also reveal the wind effects on the change of freak wave profiles. Both breaking and non-breaking freak waves are considered.     

Dynamic simulation of free surfaces in capillaries with the finite element method

The mathematical formulation of the dynamics of free liquid surfaces including the effects of surface tension is governed by a non-linear system of elliptic differential equations. The major difficulty of getting unique closed solutions only in trivial cases is overcome by numerical methods. This paper considers transient simulations of liquid–gas menisci in vertical capillary tubes and gaps in the presence of gravity. Therefore the CFD code FIDAP 7.52 based on the Galerkin finite element method (FEM) is used. Calculations using the free surface model are presented for a variety of contact angles and cross-sections with experimental and theoretical verification. The liquid column oscillations are compared for numerical accuracy with a mechanical mathematical model, and the sensitivity with respect to the node density is investigated. The efficiency of the numerical treatment of geometric non-trivial problems is demonstrated by a prismatic capillary. Present restrictions limiting efficient transient simulations with irregularly shaped calculational domains are stated. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A particle finite element method applied to long wave run‐up

This paper presents a Lagrangian–Eulerian finite element formulation for solving fluid dynamics problems with moving boundaries and employs the method to long wave run‐up. The method is based on a set of Lagrangian particles which serve as moving nodes for the finite element mesh. Nodes at the moving shoreline are identified by the alpha shape concept which utilizes the distance from neighbouring nodes in different directions. An efficient triangulation technique is then used for the mesh generation at each time step. In order to validate the numerical method the code has been compared with analytical solutions and a preexisting finite difference model. The main focus of our investigation is to assess the numerical method through simulations of three‐dimensional dam break and long wave run‐up on curved beaches. Particularly the method is put to test for cases where different shoreline segments connect and produce a computational domain surrounding dry regions. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Numerical modeling of wave interactions with coastal structures by a constrained interpolation profile/immersed boundary method

A high‐order difference method based multiphase model is proposed to simulate nonlinear interactions between water wave and submerged coastal structures. The model is based on the Navier–Stokes equations using a constrained interpolation profile (CIP) method for the flow solver, and employs an immersed boundary method (IBM) for the treatment of wave–structure interactions. A more accurate interface capturing scheme, the volume of fluid/weighed line interface calculation (VOF/WLIC) scheme, is adopted as the interface capturing method. A series of computations are performed to verify the application of the model for simulations of fluid interaction with various structures. These problems include flow over a fixed cylinder, water entry of a circular cylinder and solitary waves passing various submerged coastal structures. Computations are compared with the available analytical, experimental and other numerical results and good agreement is obtained. The results of this study demonstrate the accuracy and applications of the proposed model to simulate the nonlinear flow phenomena and capture the complex free surface flow. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A numerical study of weak shock wave propagation in a reactive bubbly liquid

A numerical study is presented on the response of a weakly shock compressed liquid column that contains reactive gas bubbles. Both the liquid and gas are considered compressible. Compressibility of the liquid allows calculation of shock and rarefaction waves in the pure liquid as well as in the gas/liquid mixture. A microscopic model for local bubble collapse is coupled with a macroscopic model of wave propagation through the gas/liquid mixture. In the particular cases presented here, the characteristic times of propagation of the shock wave and bubble collapse are of the same order of magnitude. Consequently, the coupling between various phenomena is very strong. The present model based on fundamental principles of two-phase fluid mechanics takes into account the coupling of localized bubble oscillations. This model is composed of a microscopic one in the scale of a bubble size, and a macroscopic one which is based on the mixture theory. The liquid under study is water, and the gas is a reactive mixture of argon, hydrogen and oxygen. Received 18 December 1995 / Accepted 2 June 1996     

Incompressible SPH simulation of wave breaking and overtopping with turbulence modelling

In this paper a truly incompressible version of the smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) method is presented to investigate the surface wave overtopping. SPH is a pure Lagrangian approach which can handle large deformations of the free surface with high accuracy. The governing equations are solved based on the SPH particle interaction models and the incompressible algorithm of pressure projection is implemented by enforcing the constant particle density. The two‐equation k–ε model is an effective way of dealing with the turbulence and vortices during wave breaking and overtopping and it is coupled with the incompressible SPH numerical scheme. The SPH model is employed to reproduce the experiment and computations of wave overtopping of a sloping sea wall. The computations are validated against the experimental and numerical data found in the literatures and good agreement is observed. Besides, the convergence behaviour of the numerical scheme and the effects of particle spacing refinement and turbulence modelling on the simulation results are also investigated in further detail. The sensitivity of the computed wave breaking and overtopping on these issues is discussed and clarified. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A multi‐energy‐level lattice Boltzmann model for two‐dimensional wave equation

A lattice Boltzmann model for two‐dimensional wave equation is presented. In this model, we used higher‐order moment method, multi‐scale technique and Chapman–Enskog expansion, and multi‐energy‐level to obtain wave equation and energy conservation equation. As numerical examples, the interference and diffraction of wave are simulated. The numerical results show this model can be used to simulate two‐dimensional wave propagation. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Mathematical modelling and control of a nonholonomic spherical robot on a variable-slope inclined plane using terminal sliding mode control

In this paper, the three degrees-of-freedom motion of a two-dimensional rectangular liquid tank under wave action is simulated by the boundary element method in time domain. The coupling effects between tank motion and internal sloshing flow are investigated in partially filled conditions. The fourth-order Runge–Kutta method is adopted to update the wave shape and velocity potential on the free surface. The fully nonlinear mutual dependence of the incident wave, tank motion and internal sloshing flow is decoupled through an auxiliary function method, by which the liquid tank acceleration can be obtained directly without knowing the pressure distribution. The corresponding validation of numerical model is carried out and indicates that the accuracy of the present method is satisfactory to evaluate the dynamic responses of tank and sloshing motion. The corresponding response amplitude operators of tank motions for various wave frequencies, amplitudes and filling conditions are obtained, and the nonlinear coupling effects of sloshing flow on the tank responses are analyzed. It is found that the coupling effects have significant influence on sway and roll motion while have little impact on heave motion. The most important coupling effects on roll motion are the split of peak. In addition, due to the nonlinearity of sloshing flow, the roll motion amplitude is not linearly proportional to wave amplitude.