Numerical computation of turbulent gas-particle flow in a backward-facing step

In the present article, a numerical study of turbulent gas-particle flow in a vertically oriented backward-facing step is compared with literature data. The dispersed phase is simulated by an Eulerian approach based upon the kinetic theory for granular flow, including interaction with the continuous phase. The modeling of turbulent motion within the dispersed phase as well as the correlation between gas and particle velocity fluctuations are discussed. This work demonstrates that treatment of such quantities is essential to correctly describe the particulate phase distribution and turbulence modulation in the gas phase. In addition, closure relations for the dispersed phase are extended to incorporate the influence of the continuous fluid. The derived models are validated with benchmark experimental results of a planar sudden expansion turbulent flow including particles. In general, good agreement is found between model predictions and experimental data