Numerical Simulation of Fluidized Bed using the Discrete Element Method (the Case of Spouting Bed)

Abstract

A Lagrangian-type numerical simulation was attempted for a two-dimensional fluidized bed. The availabilty of computers with large capacity opens new possibilities for treating individual particles in a fluidized bed. The solid phase in the bed was obtained from calculations of the motion of individual particles using the ordinary Newtonian equations, contrary to most previous simulations where the solid phase was regarded as a continuum. The gas phase was solved using the Eulerian equations for local variables, taking into account the gas-particle interaction. The particle-particle interaction through contact forces is a dominant factor in the case where the particle concentration becomes larger, such as in a fluidized bed. The contact forces are modeled by mechanical units such as a spring, dashpot and friction slider, in the present work. © 1992, The Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers. All rights reserved.