A Lagrangian-Eulerian model of particle dispersion in a turbulent plane mixing layer

Abstract

A Lagrangian-Eulerian model for the dispersion of solid particles in a two-dimensional, incompressible, turbulent flow is reported and validated. Prediction of the continuous phase is done by solving an Eulerian model using a control-volume finite element method (CVFEM). A Lagrangian model is also applied, using a Runge-Kutta method to obtain the particle trajectories. The effect of fluid turbulence upon particle dispersion is taken into consideration through a simple stochastic approach. Validation tests are performed by comparing predictions for both phases in a particle-laden, plane mixing layer airflow with corresponding measurements formerly reported by other authors. Even though some limitations are detected in the calculation of particle dispersion, on the whole the validation results are rather successful. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.