A Generalized Contact Modification for Fixed‐Bed Reactor CFD Simulations
Thomas Eppinger, Gregor D. Wehinger
Abstract
Abstract Particle‐resolved CFD simulations provide detailed insights into fixed‐bed reactors. One of the remaining challenges is the generation of high‐quality computational cells, which is especially challenging near particle‐particle contacts. This contribution presents a generalized and automated contact modification independent of the particle shape by introducing a defined gap of 1 % of the particle diameter. This approach is successfully demonstrated for non‐spherical cylinders, hollow and multi‐hole cylinders, and a novel particle shape in terms of radial void fraction, pressure drop and an illustrative heat transfer study.
Topics & Concepts
Computational fluid dynamicsPressure dropMechanicsParticle (ecology)Heat transferMaterials scienceCFD-DEMVoid (composites)Particle sizeMechanical engineeringPhysicsComposite materialEngineeringChemical engineeringGeologyOceanographyGranular flow and fluidized bedsHeat and Mass Transfer in Porous MediaLattice Boltzmann Simulation Studies