Prediction of particle motion in a two-dimensional bubbling fluidized bed using discrete hard-sphere model

The solids motion in a gas–solid fluidized bed was investigated using a discrete hard-sphere model. Detailed collision between particles and a nearest list method are presented. The turbulent viscosity of gas phase was predicted by subgrid scale (SGS) model. The interaction between gas and particles phases was governed by Newton's third law. The distributions of concentration, velocity and granular temperature of particles are obtained. The radial distribution function is calculated from the simulated spatio-temporal particle distribution. The normal and shear stresses of particles are predicted from the simulated instantaneous particle velocity. The pressure and viscosity of particles are obtained from both the kinetic theory of granular flow and the calculated stresses of particles. For elastic particles the individual lateral and vertical particle velocity distribution functions are isotropic and Maxwellian. The observed anisotropy becomes more pronounced with increasing degree of inelasticity of the particles.