Modeling centrifugal, multiphase, turbulent flows with a mixture-averaged drift-flux algorithm

A two-dimensional, axisymmetric, mixture-averaged multiphase flow model, developed to predict solid phase stratification arising from flow acceleration, has been generalized for three dimensions. The model is exercised, with results compared to a multiphase model having separate conservation equations for the gas phase and the solid phase, and momentum exchange between phases handled by source terms. Both models are exercised with a constant particle-gas drag coefficient, characteristic of turbulent flow, and a variable, Reynolds-based coefficient. Modeling results are compared against video data acquired at the Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University. Qualitative comparisons data show comparable results using both models.