Multi-size particulate flow in horizontal ducts: modelling and validation (Q979538)

Summary: This study develops a Galerkin Finite Element Method (GFEM) for predicting dense multi-size particulate slurry flow in two-dimensional horizontal ducts and obtains insight into particle induced erosion from the GFEM results. Computationally economical \(Q_1 Q_0\) finite elements are found robust for the application. Eulerian (volume-averaged) mass continuity and momentum equations are developed for the slurry mixture and solid particles. Multi-size particles are represented as a mixture of six particle-size species in varying concentrations. A concentration-modified mixing length model is used to model turbulence. Predicted numerical results agree well with published experimental results, the error being less than 4.5\%.