Predicting reattaching turbulent gas-solid flow with a strong pressure gradient

Abstract

In this study, the focus is on examining how the flow characteristics are influenced by particle density in the context of downward turbulent gas-solid flow through a sudden expansion pipe. The Eulerian-Lagrangian approach is performed to simulate the gas and the solid phases. A self-written FORTRAN code is developed based on the finite volume technique with a hybrid scheme in a staggered grid to simulate the problem. Experimental measurements and numerical simulations are employed to study the flow dynamics. After comparing the outcomes with previously published experimental findings, the current code demonstrates favorable results that provide encouragement for the authors to expand their theoretical work and explore various parameters. The sudden expansion performance is studied at different particle materials (sodium, sand, aluminum, copper, and gold) and Reynolds numbers. In light of the computational results, the particle material has a significant influence on the flow behavior. As the particle density increases from sodium to gold, the solid phase becomes more concentrated and exhibits different flow patterns. The particle density also affects the pressure distribution, velocity profiles, and turbulent kinetic energy in the flow. The particle size significantly influences both the flow behavior and the loss coefficient.