Deviation of continuum formulation for solid-solid momentum transfer rate in terms of spatial averaging in mixtures with large particle size ratios

Abstract

In a fluidized bed system, mean trajectories of fuel particles within the bed of fluidized inert particles are governed by the associated drag forces and characterize hydrodynamic, chemical and thermal processes taken place in the system. A large particle size ratio between the bed material and the fuel particles affects the hydrodynamics of gas-solid multiphase flows via influencing the drag forces between solid phases. The present work focuses on the analysis of forces between the two solid phases with large size ratios using the Lagrangian simulations of discrete element method (DEM). The results are spatially averaged over variable control volume size for comparison to the continuum interphase momentum transfer model. Using our DEM simulation results, a correction factor of drag force is presented versus the size of averaging control volume usable in continuum models. In addition, the role of inhomogeneity of particles distribution within the averaging box is discussed.