Science and Technology of Nuclear Installations 
Volume 2009 (2009), Article ID 410272, 8 pages
doi:10.1155/2009/410272
Research Article

Euler-Euler Large Eddy Simulation of a Square Cross-Sectional Bubble Column Using the Neptune_CFD Code

B. Ničeno,1 M. Boucker,2 and B. L. Smith1

 1Thermal-Hydraulics Laboratory, Nuclear Energy and Safety Department, Paul Scherrer Institut, 5232 Villigen PSI, Switzerland
2Research & Development/MFEE, Electricité de France(EDF), 6 quai Watier, 78400 Chatou, France
Received 5 December 2007; Accepted 28 January 2008

Recommended by Iztok Tiselj

Abstract

In this work, we report on Euler-Euler large eddy simulation (EELES) of dispersed bubbly flow in a square cross-sectional bubble column. Simulations are performed using the Neptune_CFD package, and results processed using the SALOME platform. The motivation to undertake this study is to check our implementation of the Smagorinsky subgrid-scale (SGS) model into Neptune_CFD. We outline all the physical models used, and we present instantaneous realizations of velocity and void fraction fields in order to illustrate the structure of the turbulence field, and long-time averaged results, to compare with analogous simulations performed using the CFX-4 code and experimental data. The same physical models and constants have been used in both the CFX-4 and Neptune_CFD codes, except the SGS model, which is Smagorinsky in case of Neptune_CFD and a one-equation model in CFX-4. The results obtained with EELES compare reasonably well with experiment, meaning in particular that the implementations have been successful. Some perspectives on the further use of EELES are also given.