An Unresolved SPH-DEM Coupling Framework for Bubble–Particle Interactions in Dense Multiphase Systems
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: This study presents a novel unresolved SPH-DEM coupling framework to investigate the complex interactions between rising gas bubbles and sinking solid particles in multiphase systems. Traditional numerical methods often struggle with large deformations, multiphase interfaces, and computational efficiency when simulating dense particle-laden flows. To address these challenges, the proposed model leverages SPH’s Lagrangian nature to resolve fluid motion and bubble dynamics, while the DEM captures particle–particle and particle–bubble interactions. An unresolved coupling strategy is introduced to bridge the scales between fluid and particle phases, enabling efficient simulations of large-scale systems with discrete bubbles/particles. The model is validated against benchmark cases, including single bubbles rising and single particle’s sedimentation. Simulation studies reveal the effects of particle/bubble number and initial distance on phase interaction patterns and clustering behaviors. Results further illustrate the model’s capability to capture complex phenomena such as particle entrainment by bubble wakes and hindered settling in dense suspensions. The framework offers a robust and efficient tool for optimizing industrial processes like mineral flotation, where bubble–particle dynamics play a critical role.
Source: Processes
DOI: 10.3390/pr13051291
Authors: Ying Tian, Guanhua An, Xiangwei Dong, Rui Chen, Zhen Guo, Xuhe Zheng, Qiang Zhang
Institution: Shandong University of Science and Technology
Language: English
Subfield: Computational Mechanics
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,896
OpenAlex ID: W4409729323