Particle tracking and erosion prediction in three-dimensional bends

Through a combination of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and Lagrangian particle tracking, predictions of particle movement through complex geometry can be achieved. This work involves the development of a Lagrangian particle tracking algorithm, coupled with an eddy interaction model and erosion model, and it's use in the prediction of particle motion and erosion rates in three-dimensional bends. The commercial CFD code, PHOENICS has been used to predict turbulent flow fields using the k-e two-equation model of turbulence. These have been verified against known experimental results. Using a stochastic procedure, solid particles are tracked through the domain in a Lagrangian manner using the Lagrangian equation of motion of a particle. From this particle motion, impacts with solid boundaries are converted into erosion rates using a quantitative model of erosion. Sample particle trajectories are shown, and a description of the effect of secondary velocity on particle motion is given. The effect of particle inertia and bend orientation has been investigated. Finally, predictions of erosion rate on the walls of a three-dimensional square-sectioned U-bend are presented