Bubble evolution through submerged orifice using smoothed particle hydrodynamics: Basic formulation and model validation

• Published in: Chemical engineering science 2009-05, Vol.64 (10), p.2281-2290
• Main Authors: Das, A.K., Das, P.K.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Bubble; Chemical engineering; Exact sciences and technology; Hydrodynamics; Hydrodynamics of contact apparatus; Multiphase flow; Particle; Smoothed particle hydrodynamics; Smoothening function; Submerged orifice
• ISSN: 0009-2509; 1873-4405
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ces.2009.01.053

Smoothed particle hydrodynamics is used to simulate the bubble evolution in liquid pool through a submerged orifice. Discontinuities in the physical properties along the interface are taken care using appropriate smoothening functions. Surface tension at the interfacial plane is also added in the momentum equation to track the evolution of the bubbles. To prevent abrupt intrusion of one fluid into the other no penetration force is applied for two closely situated particles of different properties. Solid walls are modelled with two layer of virtual particle along the boundary. Further, the use of corrective form of kernel approximation eradicates the inherent particle deficiency at the interface and solid boundary. The model is capable to simulate the growth of the bubble, neck formation and its detachment from the orifice along with the dynamic velocity field in both the phases. Comparison between the numerical bubble contour and published results shows excellent predictability of the model. The volume of the bubble at the detachment and the bubble frequency are compared satisfactorily with available experimental observations.