A Pressure Based Multi-Fluid Algorithm for Multiphase Flow

A new finite volume-based numerical algorithm for predicting multiphase flow phenomena is presented. The method is formulated on an orthogonal coordinate system in collocated primitive variables. The SIMPLE-like algorithms are based on the prediction and correction procedure, and they are extended for all speed range. The object of the present work is to extent single phase SIMPLE algorithm to multiphase flow. The overview of the algorithm is described and relevant numerical issues are discussed extensively, including implicit process of the moment interaction with “partial elimination” (of the drag term), introduction of under-relaxation factor, formulation of momentum interpolation, and pressure correction equation. This model is based on the k-ɛ model assumed that the turbulence is dictated by the continuous phase. Thus only the transport equation for the continuous phase turbulence energy k_c needed to be solved while a algebraic turbulence model is used for dispersed phase. The present author also designed a general program with FORTRAN90 program language for the new algorithm based on the household code General Transport Equation Analyzer (GTEA). The performance of the new method is assessed by solving a 3D bubbly two-phase flow in a vertical pipe. A good agreement is achieved between the numerical result and experimental data in the literature.