Modeling and simulation of inertial drop break-up in a turbulent pipe flow downstream of a restriction

This work deals with the modeling of drop break-up in an inhomogeneous turbulent flow that develops downstream of a concentric restriction in a pipe. The proposed approach consists in coupling Euler-Lagrange simulations of the drop motion to an interface deformation model. First the turbulent flow downstream of the restriction is solved by means of direct numerical simulation. Single drop trajectories are then calculated from the instantaneous force balance acting on the drop within the turbulent field (one-way coupling). Concurrently, the interface deformation is computed assuming the drop to behave as a Rayleigh-Lamb type oscillator forced by the turbulent stress along its trajectory. Criterion for break-up is based upon a critical value of drop deformation. This model has been tested against experimental data. The flow conditions and fluids properties have been chosen to match those experimental investigations. Both turbulent flow statistics and break-up probability calculations are in good agreement with experimental data, strengthening the relevance of this approach for modeling break-up in complex unsteady flow. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.