(617f) CFD-DEM with Uncertainty Quantification (UQ) Compared Against Experiments of Horizontal Jets in a Gas-Solid Fluidized Bed

Uncertainty quantification coupled with CFD-DEM generates a distribution of model outcomes and provides valuable insights regarding the uncertain inputs that most influence the model results. In the current effort, a suite of CFD-DEM+UQ simulations are performed and the results compared against existing experimental measurements [Fullmer, W. D., C. Q. LaMarche, A. Issangya, P. Liu, R. Cocco and C. M. Hrenya, "Experimental Data for Code Validation: Horizontal Air Jets in a Semicircular Fluidized Bed of Geldart Group D Particles," AIChE Journal (in press)] of opposing horizontal air jets impinging into a semi-circular fluidized bed. The CFD-DEM simulations are implemented using MFIX and are designed to replicate experiments completed at PSRI. Specifically, a cut-cell semi-circular simulation domain is used to replicate the semi-circular cross-section of the experimental apparatus. The uncertainties in the CFD-DEM inputs are identified, tabulated, and ranked using a local sensitivity analysis (LSA). Those input uncertainties which significantly impact the model outputs (as determined by the LSA) are then propagated through the model to estimate the range of uncertainty in the key model outputs. The key outputs for this study are the jet penetration distances (left and right jets) and the bed pressure drop. In addition to the overall methodology, the comparison between the CFD-DEM output uncertainties and experimental results will be discussed, as well as the implications on uncertainty quantification analyses for CFD-DEM simulations.