MATHEMATICAL MODELING OF DENSELY LOADED, PARTICLE-LADEN TURBULENT FLOWS

A mathematical model for densely loaded, particle-laden turbulent flows has been developed. The model accounts for (1) the interactions between the particles and the carrier fluid, and (2) the interactions between the particles themselves (collision). These interactions consider both mean and fluctuating levels of motion. The gas and particle flow fields are resolved in a Eulerian frame of reference. The fluid turbulence is simulated through a new k-ε model, which considers not only the damping effect of the particles on fluid turbulence but also the effects of particle collision on fluid turbulence. To validate the proposed model, a turbulent, axisymmetric gaseous jet laden with polydispersed spherical solid particles was studied. The model predictions were compared with the experimental data for polydispersed dilute and dense flows. Good agreement was achieved, which indicates the model's capability to simulate unconfined, turbulent, densely loaded, particle-laden flows.