The correct calculation of cell void fraction is pivotal in accurate simulation of two‐phase flows using a computational fluid dynamics‐discrete element method (CFD‐DEM) approach. Two classical approaches for void fraction calculations (i.e., particle centroid method or PCM and analytical approach) were examined, and the accuracy of these methodologies in predicting the particle‐fluid flow characteristics of bubbling fluidized beds was investigated. It was found that there is a critical cell size (3.82 particle diameters) beyond which the PCM can achieve the same numerical stability and prediction accuracy as those of the analytical approach. There is also a critical cell size (1/19.3 domain size) below which meso‐scale flow structures are resolved. Moreover, a lower limit of cell size (1.63 particle diameters) was identified to satisfy the assumptions of CFD‐DEM governing equations. A reference map for selecting the ideal computational cell size and the suitable approach for void fraction calculation was subsequently developed. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 60: 2000–2018, 2014

In this work, subcooled droplet impact on a highly thermally conductive spherical surface was investigated both theoretically and experimentally. Specifically, the effect of Weber number on spreading of droplets of three different liquids namely water, isopropyl alcohol and acetone was studied. The droplet shape evolution and surface wetting upon droplet impact at surface temperatures ranging between 20 o C and 250 o C were investigated using a high speed camera. Maximum droplet spread was measured and compared with available correlations. Generally wetting contact was observed at surface temperatures below or close to saturation temperature whilst a non-wetting contact was exhibited at surface temperatures significantly greater than the saturation temperature. The drop in surface temperature was found to be significantly lower in this non-wetting contact regime which led to significant reduction in heat transfer coefficient. Despite a very small temperature drop in the film boiling regime indicating small fraction of vaporization, Schlieren imaging of acetone droplets showed qualitative vapour field around the rebounding droplets. The droplet spreading patterns in cold condition and film boiling regime were simulated using the 3D CFD models which were found to be in good agreement with the experimental observations.

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Optimal thermo-physical properties of nanofluids provide an opportunity to overcome energy associated difficulties, in addition to providing new alternatives to catch, store and exchange of energy. A significant reduction in energy consumption is possible by improving the performance of a heat exchanger circuit, and may in part alleviate current energy related challenging issues such as global warming, climate change, and the fuel crisis. The objective of this work is to gain an insight into the overall stability of nanofluids with respect to pH, zeta potential, particle size distribution, and its effect on viscosity and thermal conductivity. For the purpose of this study two nanofluids were selected (water based alumina and copper oxide). Various nanoparticles concentrations as well as anionic surfactants (sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate) were investigated for their stability, viscosity as well as thermal conductivity. The results clearly showed that nanofluid stability has a strong relation with viscosity and thermal conductivity. The stability of the nanofluid was found to be improved with a decrease in viscosity and an increase in thermal conductivity.

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