Author(s): Marcel Kwakkel; Giovanni Viciconte; Christoph Goniva; Christoph Kloss

Linked Author(s): Marcel Kwakkel

Keywords: Discrete element method; Computational fluid dynamics; Coupled CFD-DEM; Geotechnics; Jet grouting

Abstract: The Discrete Element Method (DEM) and DEM coupled with Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD-DEM) are effective techniques for optimizing particle processes such as the production, processing, transportation, and storage of various granular materials. However, these processes can be challenging to simulate due to the wide range of time and length scales involved, requiring detailed temporal and/or spatial resolution that leads to high computational costs. To address this issue, a hybrid resolved-unresolved coupled CFD-DEM method has been developed and validated to achieve high physical accuracy in selected regions while limiting the overall computational cost of the simulation. The jet grouting process, commonly used in geotechnical engineering, requires a high-resolution model around the erosion zone but can use an unresolved model outside of it. The presented hybrid model dynamically selects between resolved and unresolved models, is suitable for parallel computing and scalable on large-scale high-performance computing infrastructure. The simulations were validated by experiments conducted in cooperation with a technical university. This approach can enable efficiency optimizations, reducing operating costs and allowing for real multi-scale and multi-physics applications.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3850/978-90-833476-1-5_iahr40wc-p1184-cd

Year: 2023