Particle statistics in a gas–solid coaxial strongly swirling flow: A direct numerical simulation

A direct numerical simulation of a strongly coaxial swirling particle-laden flow is conducted with reference to a previous experiment. The carrier phase is simulated as a coaxial swirling flow through a short nozzle injecting into a large container. The particle phase is carried by the primary jet, and simulated in the Lagrangian approach. The drag force, slip-shear force and slip-rotation force experienced by particles are calculated. A partial validation of the results is followed. The results are analyzed in Eulerian approach focusing on the statistical behavior of particle motion. The relative importance of the drag, slip-shear and slip-rotation forces under different Stokes numbers is indicated quantitatively. The particle velocity profiles, fluctuations, Reynolds stress, and turbulence intensity are demonstrated and analyzed respectively. An important “choke” behavior for large particles within the mainstream is found and interpreted. Additionally, the patterns of particle distribution and the helical structures of particle motion under different Stokes numbers are demonstrated qualitatively and analyzed quantitatively.