Numerical visualization of two-phase plume formation in a stratification flow environment

Area of Science:

• Fluid dynamics
• Multiphase flow phenomena
• Computational fluid dynamics

Background:

• Two-phase plumes are crucial in various natural and industrial processes.
• Understanding the dynamics of buoyant dispersed phases in stratified environments is complex.
• Air bubble plumes in stratified fluids exhibit intricate behaviors influenced by phase interactions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To numerically visualize the evolution of two-phase plumes driven by air bubble buoyancy in a stratified ambient.
• To investigate the phenomena of mass entraining-in and peeling-out in continuous phase plumes.
• To analyze the role of momentum exchange and phase interaction in plume formation and stability.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing two-phase flow theory and large-eddy simulation (LES) technology for numerical visualization.
• Focusing on the discrete nature of the buoyant dispersed phase (air bubbles).
• Examining the interplay between phase interaction and the dynamic stability of the stratified ambient.

Main Results:

• Mass entraining-in and peeling-out phenomena were observed and analyzed.
• These phenomena, though seemingly distinct vertically, exhibit local coupling and interaction within the plume.
• A discontinuity in the nature of these phenomena was identified within the plume.
• Three-dimensional density fields confirmed these plume characteristics.

Conclusions:

• The study provides detailed numerical insights into the complex dynamics of two-phase plumes.
• Mass entraining-in and peeling-out are interconnected processes within the plume structure.
• Numerical visualization effectively captures the intricate interplay of phase interactions and ambient stability.