An Euler-Lagrange strategy for simulating particle-laden flows

In this work, a strategy capable of simulating polydisperse flows in complex geometries is employed where the fluid transport equations are solved in an Eulerian framework and the dispersed phase is represented as Lagrangian particles. Volume filtered equations for the carrier phase are derived in detail for variable density flows, and all unclosed terms are discussed. Special care is given to the interphase coupling terms that arise, in order to ensure that they are implemented consistently and that they converge under mesh refinement. This provides the flexibility of using cell sizes that are smaller than the particle diameter if necessary. Particle collisions are handled using a soft-sphere model that has been modified for parallel efficiency. Simulations are carried out for a number of laboratory-scale configurations, showing excellent agreement with experiments. (C) 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.