Turbulence modulation by particles in large Eddy simulation of backward-facing step flow

Abstract

Large Eddy Simulation of backward-facing step flow laden with particles were performed. The number of particles is chosen very large and the volume fraction of particles is high enough for consideration of two-way coupling. This means that the particles are influenced by fluid and vice versa. The inter-particle collisions are neglected. The Euler-Lagrange method is adopted, which means that the fluid is considered to be continuum (Euler approach) and for each individual particle is solved Lagrangian equation of motion. Particles are considered to be spherical. The simulations are performed for different mass fractions of 90 μm glass particles. The results are compared to the single-phase flow in order to investigate the effect of the particles on the turbulence statistics of the carrier phase.