A Numerical Model for Simulation of Thin-Film Water Transport over Solid Fuel Surfaces

Abstract

A model for simulating water film transport over solid fuel surfaces has been developed. The fundamental film-transport equations for mass continuity, momentum, and energy were formulated. These equations have been implemented in OpenFOAM along with essential source terms for inter-phase transport. The model has been coupled to a gas-phase solver, solid boundary condition, and spray transport model. Initial validation of the model has been performed and good agreement is seen with the Nusselt solution for continuous film flows over inclined surfaces. Comparison of the film model was also made with experimental measurements for film thickness, velocity, and mass flow rate.