Exploring Multiphase Flow Processes via Particle-Resolving Simulations

ABSTRACT:  We review grain-resolving Navier-Stokes simulations for a variety of multiphase flow processes. These simulations are based on an Immersed Boundary approach, which accurately captures the flow around each particle and in each pore space. We will discuss several different applications, among them particle sedimentation, particle-turbulence interaction and submerged granular collapse processes.  One focus will be on the influence of cohesive forces in such flows, especially the formation and break-up of aggregates consisting of several individual particles.

BIOGRAPHY:  Professor Meiburg received his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Karlsruhe, Germany in 1985. He is currently a Distinguished Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at UC Santa Barbara and most recently, was awarded the Lady David Fellowship at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel in 2021. Professor Meiburg's research interests lie in the general area of fluid dynamics and transport phenomena. His group primarily employs the tools of computational fluid dynamics (CFD), in particular highly resolved direct numerical simulations, in order to obtain insight into the physical mechanisms that govern the spatio-temporal evolution of a wide variety of geophysical, porous media and multiphase flow fields. Occasionally, his group extends their analyses to address issues of linear stability as well. Frequently, they collaborate closely with corresponding experimental investigations. Some current interests focus on gravity and turbidity currents, Hele-Shaw displacements, double-diffusive phenomena in particle laden flows, and internal bores.