Plenary Talk: Innovations in Fluidization, Inspired by Nature
Fluidization
2019
Fluidization XVI
General Paper Pool
Plenary Session #2
Monday, May 27, 2019 - 11:30am to 12:10pm
Simulations provide insights into the mesoscopic physics that induce the observed patterns by dynamic self-organization. Wave patterns in shallow beds display similarities with those observed in vibrated granular layers, although fluid-solid interactions lead to much richer behavior and qualitative differences as well, which are especially noted in the bubble patterns formed in deeper, quasi-2D beds. Common two-fluid models are unable to reproduce pattern propagation, because granular friction results in transitions in collective particle behavior between solid-like and fluid-like, during each pulsation period. On the other hand, discrete element model simulations, coupled with computational fluid dynamics, offer insights that do not only allow us to employ gas oscillation as a way to structure fluidized beds, but also to take pattern formation as a robust fingerprint to test computational models, which can be used to model and design fluidized beds more generally. Probing the rich behavior of pulsating fluidized beds helps us to augment our understanding of fluidization fundamentals. In this context, we are currently investigating annular beds, allowing us to study transitions in hydrodynamics between quasi-2D to 3D systems, which is essential in the application of this fascinating nature-inspired phenomenon to fluidized bed operation and design.