• Journal of computational fluids engineering
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.46-51
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• 2015

In this paper, we have developed numerical model for particulated flow through narrow slit using Eulerian-Granular method. Commercial software (FLUENT) was utilized as simulation tool and main focus was to identify the effect from various numerical options for modeling of solid particles as continuos phase in granular flow. Gidaspow model was chosen as basic model for solid viscosity and drag model. And lun-et-al model was used as solid pressure and radial distribution model, respectively. Several other model options in FLUENT were tested considering the cross related effect. Mass flow rate of the particulate through the slit was measured to compare. Due to the high volume density of the stacked particulates above the slit, effect from various numerical options were not significant. The numerical results from basic model were also compared with experimental results and showed very good agreement. The effects from the characteristics of particles such as diameter, angle of internal friction, and collision coefficient were also analyzed for future design of velocity resistance layer in solar thermal absorber. Angle of internal friction was found to be the dominat variable for the particle mass flow rate considerably. More defined 3D model along with energy equation for complete solar thermal absorber design is currently underway.