A scaled MP-PIC method for bubbling fluidized beds

Coarse-graining is widely used in simulations of gas-solid fluidization. However, as a key parameter, the coarse graining ratio, and its relevant scaling law is still far from reaching a consensus. In this work, a scaling law is developed based on a similarity analysis, and then it is used to scale the multi-phase particle-in-cell (MP-PIC) method. The approach is then validated by simulating two bubbling fluidized beds. The simulation results show that scaled MP-PIC reduces the errors of solids volume fraction and velocity distributions over a wide range of coarse-graining ratios for simulated conditions. In future, a scaling law with consideration of the heterogeneity inside a parcel or numerical particle will be developed which is expected to further improve the performance of coarse-grained modeling in simulation of fluidized beds. (c) 2022 Published by Elsevier B.V.

Automated summary

Coarse-graining is a widely used method in gas-solid fluidization simulations, but the consensus on its key parameter, the coarse graining ratio, and its corresponding scaling law is still lacking. This study proposes a scaling law based on similarity analysis and applies it to the multi-phase particle-in-cell (MP-PIC) method. The approach is validated through simulations of two bubbling fluidized beds, which show improved accuracy of solids volume fraction and velocity distributions over a wide range of coarse-graining ratios.