Implementation of a modified kinetic theory model for frictional granular flows

Based on results obtained through discrete element simulations of homogeneous, simple shear flows of soft, frictional spheres, a modified kinetic theory model [1] was recently proposed which adapts the standard kinetic theory by Garzό-Dufty [2] to take account of friction and dense packing. In the present study, this modified kinetic theory model is successfully implemented in OpenFOAM v2.2.x [3]. The solution algorithm is given by Passalacqua and Fox [4]. To assess the implementation, the simulation results are compared with the experimental data on bin discharge [5]. It is found that the model predicts height-independent discharge rates. The model also predicts decreased discharge rates with increasing particle size seen experimentally. The model predicts varying discharge rates with different particle friction coefficients, and good agreement with experimental data for all particle sizes can be achieved by properly choosing the friction coefficient. Systems of gas-particle flow in multiple-spout fluidized beds are also studied, and compared with the experiment data [6].