Computational Fluid Dynamics
The Computational Modelling Group uses Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to study many processes of industrial significance. The group is particularly interested in bridging the gap between the macro and meso scales. This is achieved by coupling novel and efficient stochastic algorithms for the dispersed phase to powerful CFD codes to resolve the continuous phase. In this way, the CoMo Group is able to carry out detailed modelling of particle processes such coalescence and fragmentation occurring in fluids flowing through arbitrarily complicated geometries. The prototypical example is the modelling of droplet coalescence in impinging jets (see Figure), which is important in the large scale modelling of spray dryers, for example.
More generally, the group’s interest is in producing efficient stochastic algorithms for multivariate population balance equations. These are then two-way coupled to a turbulent continuous phase. Considerable computational gains are afforded by bringing this coupling into a general CFD framework. This also enables a wider class of two-phase flow problems to be analysed without the necessity for bespoke code for each geometry under consideration. The CoMo Group has used this strategy to model a liquid-liquid extraction column. Further applications include bubble columns, stirred tanks and air-lift reactors.
Recent Associated Preprints
272: Radial dependence of TiO2 nanoparticles synthesised in jet-wall stagnation flames
Eric J. Bringley, Manoel Y. Manuputty, Casper Lindberg, Gustavo Leon, Jethro Akroyd, and Markus Kraft, Technical Report 272, c4e-Preprint Series, Cambridge, 2021.
Jochen Dreyer, Eric J. Bringley, Manoel Y. Manuputty, Jethro Akroyd, and Markus Kraft, Technical Report 250, c4e-Preprint Series, Cambridge, 2019.
Alastair J. Smith, Clive G. Wells, and Markus Kraft, Technical Report 186, c4e-Preprint Series, Cambridge, 2017.
99: A coupled CFD-population balance approach for nanoparticle synthesis in turbulent reacting flows
Jethro Akroyd, Alastair J. Smith, Raphael Shirley, Laurence R. McGlashan, and Markus Kraft, Technical Report 99, c4e-Preprint Series, Cambridge, 2010.
Recent Associated Publications
Radial dependence of TiO2 nanoparticles synthesised in jet-wall stagnation flames
Eric J. Bringley, Manoel Y. Manuputty, Casper Lindberg, Gustavo Leon, Jethro Akroyd, and Markus Kraft, Journal of Aerosol Science 162, 105928, (2022).
Kang Pan, Mei Qi Lim, Markus Kraft, and Epaminondas Mastorakos, Geoscientific Model Development 14(7), 4509-4534, (2021).
Jochen Dreyer, Eric J. Bringley, Manoel Y. Manuputty, Jethro Akroyd, and Markus Kraft, Proceedings of the Combustion Institute 38(2), 2083-2091, (2021).
A coupled CFD-population balance approach for nanoparticle synthesis in turbulent reacting flows
Jethro Akroyd, Alastair J. Smith, Raphael Shirley, Laurence R. McGlashan, and Markus Kraft, Chemical Engineering Science 66, 3792-3805, (2011).
Funding
Funding has generously been provided by P&G, The Royal Society, The Royal Academy of Engineering, and CD-adapco.