NUMERICAL INSPECTION OF TURBULENT/LAMINAR NONREACTIVE AND LAMINAR COMBUSTIVE REACTIVE FLOWS IN POROUS MEDIA

Abstract

In this study, the two-dimensional (2D) axisymmetric models of the turbulent/laminar nonreactive and the laminar combustive reactive flows in porous media are simulated numerically by the finite volume method along with the SIMPLE algorithm. The turbulence is simulated by a k − ε model adapted to the porous structure due to the additional source terms. The premixed combustion of methane-air is simulated by applying the single step chemical reaction mechanism. The obtained results for the flow simulation in porous media show that the turbulent kinetic energy is amplified within the foam and separated flow regions do not form or penetrate inside the porous material in the turbulent flow model. The simulation of the premixed laminar submerged flames indicates the super adiabatic combustion in the lean mixtures and implies the flame acceleration which results in higher thermal loads in these flames. Furthermore, the stabilization process and the position of flame within the foam are examined through using different methods for convergence of the numerical code and the acquired predictions are compared to the previous results of the similar research.