Unstructured Conservative Level-Set (UCLS) method for reactive mass transfer in bubble swarms at high density ratio

Abstract

This research presents a parallel Unstructured Conservative Level-Set (UCLS) method for reactive mass transfer in bubbles with a high-density ratio. This method uses the multiple-marker UCLS approach to circumvent the numerical coalescence of bubbles, combined with the finite-volume method to discretize transport equations on 3D collocated unstructured meshes. The fractional-step projection method solves the pressure-velocity coupling. The central difference scheme discretizes the diffusive term, whereas convective term within the momentum transport equation, level-set advection equations, and mass transfer equation are discretized by unstructured flux-limiters schemes. Such a combination of numerical techniques preserves the numerical stability in bubbly flows with a high Reynolds number and high-density ratio. Numerical and physical findings on the effect of physical properties ratios on the reactive mass transfer are reported, including their effect on the Reynolds number, interfacial area and Sherwood number.