CFD-DEM simulations of a stirred liquid bath containing particles based on a theoretical scaling framework

Abstract

BackgroundCoupled computational fluid dynamics-discrete element method (CFD-DEM) simulations are valuable tools for studying particle-fluid coupling problems. However, because of the many particles involved, full-scale simulations are not feasible. MethodsA theoretical scaling framework developed in our previous work was introduced for the first time in the CFD-DEM simulations. A 1/2 scaled-down numerical model was established based on the physical model used to observe the dynamic behavior of dross particles in a hot-dip galvanizing bath. The applicability of the theoretical scaling framework for the CFD-DEM simulations was demonstrated by comparing the results of the physical and scaled-down numerical models. Additionally, the effects of the belt width and velocity on the flow field and dynamic behavior of the particles were investigated. Significant findingsThe results show that the evolution of the particle-accumulation morphology at different belt widths in scaled-down simulations agreed with that in physical model experiments, confirming that the theoretical scaling framework can be used in CFD-DEM simulations and is advantageous in significantly reducing number of particles required for the simulations. As the belt speed decreased, the number of suspended particles also decreased. Furthermore, a reduction in the belt width led to a shift of the aggregation region of the suspended particles away from the vicinity of the symmetrical plane of the bath toward the sidewalls. This shift of the aggregation region was beneficial in preventing the adhesion of dross particles to the surface of the steel strip during the hot-dip galvanizing process.