Two-phase flow modeling for low concentration spherical particle motion through a Newtonian fluid

Abstract

Models that are used for the simulation of two-phase flows in coastal dynamics make extensive use of empirical data. The main focus of this investigation is to develop models for specific aspects of two-phase flows that are based on physical principles in order to reduce the use of such data. In this study several existing empirically based drag force models are discussed. The motion of spherical or near-spherical solid particles through a Newtonian fluid is investigated and a new method for closure of the drag force, using a Representative Unit Cell is discussed and compared to the existing models as well as to experimental data. The various drag models were also evaluated by numerical simulations, using an in-house developed program based on an adaptation of the SIMPLE procedure.