Modeling centrifugal, multiphase, turbulent flows with a mixture-averaged drift-flux algorithm

Abstract

A two-dimensional, axisymmetric, mixture-averaged multiphase flow model, developed to predict solid phase stratification arising from flow acceleration, has been generalized for three dimensions. The model is exercised, with results compared to a multiphase model having separate conservation equations for the gas phase and the solid phase, and momentum exchange between phases handled by source terms. Both models are exercised with a constant particle-gas drag coefficient, characteristic of turbulent flow, and a variable, Reynolds-based coefficient. Modeling results are compared against video data acquired at the Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University. Qualitative comparisons data show comparable results using both models.

Additional information

Funding

Partial funding for this work was provided by the Defense Threat Reduction Agency under contract no. DTRAO1-03-D-0010 and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency under contract no. N00024-02-D-6604.