Numerical Modeling of Dispersed Two-Phase Flows

This paper presents some fundamental aspects of the mathematical and numerical modeling of dispersed two phase flows. The special case of gas-particle flows which is of major importance in the aerospace context is examined. The “kinetic” equation corresponding to the mesoscopic level of description is recalled and the derivation of the different models is explained. Microscale physical phenomena occurring in gas-particle flows are also described. Then an overview of the different numerical methods is given. The SPARTE and SPIREE solvers of the CEDRE code illustrate Lagrangian and Eulerian techniques respectively, implemented in a 3D complex CFD platform. Some numerical simulations are presented, showing the capacity of the solvers to deal with turbojet engines, liquid rocket engines, solid propellant rockets, icing problems, etc. The advantages and drawbacks of Lagrangian and Eulerian techniques are briefly discussed, from the theoretical and practical points of view. We also present the future developments expected in the code, taking into account the crucial challenges in numerical simulation such as Large Eddy Simulation, primary atomization, coupling “separated” and “dispersed” two-phase flow solvers, spray-film interactions.