Development of a two-dimensional mathematical model for stress and velocity distribution in a packed bed

Cavity or raceway in gas cross-flow condition is common in various industrial processes such as blast furnace, COREX process, granular drying, etc. Raceway size and shape play an important role in the aerodynamics of these processes. There are many studies to determine the raceway size; however, minimal work is available on determination of its shape. Knowledge of stress distribution is a necessary precursor to determine the shape of the raceway. Therefore, an attempt has been made to predict the stress condition at the raceway boundary under gas cross-flow condition based on continuum model. Two-dimensional (2-D) k-epsilon turbulence model has been solved for the gas flow, whereas solid phase has been represented by 2-D static stress equations. Computed results have been validated with experiments. Based on numerical results, normal stress distribution along the slip planes or characteristics has been plotted and it has been found that raceway boundary is an isostress boundary.