Multiphase Large Eddy Simulations

• Applicant: Dr.-Ing. Thomas Ziegenhein
• Subject Area: Chemical and Thermal Process Engineering
• Term: from 2017 to 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 395172569

One of the main pillars in single-phase computational fluid dynamics is filtering in the context of Large Eddy Simulations (LES) providing accurate results with relatively low computational costs. By extending this idea to multiphase flows, a filtered interface needs to be handled in addition to the filtered turbulence. Although filtered interfaces in turbulent flows have been mathematically described in the last decade, methods as well as closure models are not well established for this problem. A general method for such LES-like multiphase flow descriptions can lead into a new direction in multiphase computational fluid dynamics like the introduction of single-phase flow LES did in the 70s of the last century. New methods will be available for investigating complex multiphase problems, which would be positioned between the established fully resolved and unresolved methods.A very promising method for handling filtered interfaces with focus on the primary break-up of sprays was developed by Prof. Herrmann in Tempe, Arizona. This method will be extended to bubbly flows during the post-doc period. This includes the advancement of the present method, implementing new closure models, and detailed verification and validation with data from direct numerical simulations as well as from experiments. Finally, the simulation of complex multiphase problems that are exceeding the possibilities of the established methods will show the high potential of the new approach. For the applicant personally, the stay will enable him to do active research in the area of filtered interfaces in his own junior research group. For this purpose, the learned skills and the built scientific network during the post-doc period will be the fundament. This research interest in LES-like multiphase flow simulations is unique in Germany and it will bridge the established research groups dealing with fully resolved and non-resolved interfaces.

• DFG Programme: Research Fellowships
• International Connection: USA
• Host: Professor Dr.-Ing. Marcus Herrmann