Validation of multiphase flow models

Abstract

Creating computer codes for numerical integration of systems of partial differential equations governing multiphase multicomponent flows is an important part of scientific activities in the last 30 years. Whatever the result of such activity is, it has to be validated for a class of practical applications. The validation is a complex process consisting of many elements. The first question asked in this case is: is the adequate equation set solved properly? To answer the question several iteration steps are necessary. The formal check whether the numerical algorithm provides the expected results is usually performed on simplified mathematical benchmarks that possess analytical solutions. Order-of-magnitude estimates and global balances that have to be fulfilled are very important in more complex cases. The verification of computer codes for more complex processes is mainly associated with an experimental data base on two different levels. The closure correlations are usually based on separate effect experiments. The system behavior in which a variety of the elements of the computer code are interacting is checked on system experiments.