Authors:
Clarissa B. Fonte, João A. A. Oliveira Jr., Lucilla C. de Almeida
Abstract:
Coupling between Discrete Element Modelling (DEM) and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) packages is a promising approach to model granular-fluid systems, enlarging the range of particle-fluid processes that can be managed with numerical simulation. In this paper, coupling approach for the commercial software packages Rocky (DEM) and ANSYS Fluent (CFD) will be addressed. Rocky is a powerful DEM software that can handle true non-round particle shapes, breakage, physical wear and is efficient on both CPU and
GPU systems, among other capabilities. ANSYS Fluent package is well known as one of the world leaders for CFD applications. Mathematical modelling for DEM, CFD and the coupling
itself will be described, as well as two case studies. The first one is a one-way coupling case, meaning that only the fluid flow affects the particle movement. This example demonstrates the method capability of considering the effect of drag force on the particles. Also, the importance of choosing a suitable drag law for the case is made clear. The second study considers a dense flow, and therefore two-way coupling, in which both phases have an influence in each other, is demonstrated. Comparison with experimental data proves the capability of the fluid also being influenced by a reactive force.