Modelling and numerical simulation of 3D bubble flow by the Eulerian-Lagrangian approach (Q2641645)

Summary: This work deals with some numerical simulations concerning bubble behaviour in a 3D turbulent pipe flow. A hybrid Eulerian-Lagrangian approach is employed for the calculation of the particulate flow: Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes approach with a \(\kappa-\varepsilon\) realisable model for modelling the continuous fluid phase and a kinetic approach for describing the change of the bubble number density distribution function due to break-up and coalescence. For modelling the break-up and coalescence processes, we consider the models proposed by \textit{C. Martínez-Bazán} et al. [J. Fluid Mech. 401, 157--207 (1999; Zbl 0974.76087)] and \textit{A. M. Kamp} et al. [Int. J. Multiphase Flow 27, No. 8, 1363--1396 (2001; Zbl 1137.76625)], respectively. Interfacial forces, such as drag force and transverse lift force are taken into account in the bubbles' dynamics equation. The coupling between the two-phases is considered through momentum source terms and sink terms in \(\kappa\) and \(\varepsilon\) equations. The numerical results are quantitatively compared with measurements performed by \textit{A. M. Kamp} [Ecoulements turbulents á bulles dans une conduite en micropesanteur. Toulouse: Institut National Polytechnique de Toulouse. (PhD Thesis) (1996)], showing that profiles of void fraction, bubble size distribution and slip velocity are in fair agreement with experimental data.