The MFiX Particle-in-Cell Method (MFiX-PIC) Theory Guide
- National Energy Technology Lab. (NETL), Morgantown, WV (United States). Leidos Research Support Team
- National Energy Technology Lab. (NETL), Morgantown, WV (United States)
MFiX (Multiphase Flow with Interphase eXchanges) is an open-source multiphase flow solver developed at the National Energy Technology Laboratory. Within the code, users have access to a single phase or interpenetrating continua-based multiphase two-fluid model (TFM), a discrete element model (DEM), and a particle-in-cell model (PIC). TFM, DEM, and PIC can all be used to create multiphase simulations that include hydrodynamics, chemical reactions, and heat transfer. This document presents the underlying theory for the MFiX-PIC model only. MFiX-PIC is a Lagrangian solids model that tracks the position and trajectory of computational parcels that represent groups of identical spherical particles within a Eulerian fluid. It is firmly coupled to the fluid flow solver previously described in Musser and Carney and imitates many of the same Lagrangian methods described in Boyalakuntla and Garg et al. Evolving from 1-dimensional and 2-dimensional implementations, the current 3-dimensional PIC formulation most resembles the work of Snider. MFiX-PIC is best suited for industrial-scale, semi-dense multiphase flow simulations where trend is more important than exactness of solution. The methodology utilizes statistical averaging techniques to advance simulations quickly and carries minimal particle-level overhead. Note that solutions do appear very realistic, and verification and validation studies confirm that the methodology predicts accurate flow characteristics. This document follows the notation and variable formats used in equations set forth in Musser and Carney. It is suggested that the active reader, truly trying to digest MFiX-PIC theory, use this document in determined cooperation with Musser and Carney and Snider.
- Research Organization:
- National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), Morgantown, WV, (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Office of Fossil Energy (FE)
- DOE Contract Number:
- 89243318CFE000003
- OSTI ID:
- 1630414
- Report Number(s):
- DOE/NETL-2020/2115; TRN: US2106618
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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