Two-way coupled CFD-DEM model of a pre-mixed abrasive water jet and its application to the investigation of abrasive motion characteristics

Abstract

This paper uses the weight function to modify the particle volume fraction algorithm. The VOF model is modified by adding the particle phase volume fraction and momentum source to the control equation, the semi-resolved VOF-DEM model is established, and PTV experiment is used to verify the model. Based on this model, the flow and distribution characteristics of the abrasive are obtained: 1) The water-abrasive flow near the outlet of the convergent section of the nozzle has a significantly dense two-phase flow characteristic, and the collision between particles dominates particle flow. 2) The particles at the nozzle outlet are distributed in the radial direction of “n”, and with the increase of the stand-off distance of the jet, the particle phase volume transitions from “n” to “m” distribution. The research on the flow characteristics of particles can provide a basis for the nozzle design of pre-mixed abrasive water jets.