ISBN 978-3-8439-3860-0

978-3-8439-3860-0, Reihe Verfahrenstechnik

Andreas Weber
Simulating bubble movement with the Euler-Lagrange approach

129 Seiten, Dissertation Technische Universität Kaiserslautern (2018), Softcover, A5

Zusammenfassung / Abstract

This thesis describes the development and validation of a gas-liquid multiphase flow simulation for bubbles using the Euler-Lagrange approach. An ellipsoidal bubble rotation model is described, resulting in characteristic helical bubble movement.

A particle tracking software for spray processes, originating from OpenFOAM, is adapted to describe movement of bubbles. With addition of force models, interaction algorithms, turbulence models and gas specific properties, the software is capable to simulate bubbly flows. The dispersed gas phase is represented by point volumes, while the continuous phase is solved on an Eulerian Grid using a classic Navier-Stokes approach. The phases are coupled through an exchange of momentum, kinetic turbulent energy and species.

Bubble deformation and orientation are calculated to reproduce characteristic sinusoidal and spiraling bubble movement. Based on the bubbles rotation, a lateral force is introduced pushing the bubble into an oscillating path.