A two-equation turbulence model for two-phase flows

TLDR

The model is based on two equations that conserve turbulence kinetic energy and its dissipation in the carrier fluid of two‑phase flows. The equations are rigorously derived from the carrier fluid momentum equations, with closure achieved by modeling turbulent correlations up to third order. The developed two‑equation model accurately predicts two‑phase flows, obviating ad hoc simulation of dispersed‑phase turbulence effects, and preliminary tests show it captures the main features of a round gaseous jet with uniform solid particles.

Abstract

A two-equation turbulence model has been developed for predicting two-phase flows. The two equations describe the conservation of turbulence kinetic energy and dissipation rate of that energy for the carrier fluid in a two-phase flow. They have been derived rigorously from the momentum equations of the carrier fluid. Closure of the time-mean equations is achieved by modeling the turbulent correlations up to third order. The new model eliminates the need to simulate in an ad hoc manner the effects of the dispersed phase on turbulence structure. Preliminary testing indicates that the model is successful in predicting the main features of a round gaseous jet laden with uniform-size solid particles.