(320f) Mean Age Theory for Mixing Time: Experiments and Mesh Type Effects on CFD Simulation

The optimal meshing and simulation strategy for efficiently simulating mixing time problems can cut down on overall simulation time and increase engineering output. Steady state mean age theory and traditional transient simulation have been applied towards measuring mixing time in stirred tank vessels in order to study the impact of various meshing types. Polyhedral, tetrahedral and hexahedral meshes were simulated using STAR-CCM+. Simulations were conducted across a range of varying impeller speeds and configurations. Accuracy to experimental data and computational time were key response variables in the study. Very close matching was obtained between the steady state mean age method, the traditional transient CFD method, and experimental data, which indicates the reliability of mean age to study these problems. Additionally, some data regarding calibrating the mean age mixing type method to other mixing time measurements will be presented.