A hybrid method of turbulent flow modelling in packings of complex geometry

In this work, experimental investigations and computational simulations were combined into a hybrid method of complex phenomena modelling. In particular, the thermo-anemometric technique and the multi-scale methodology of modelling were applied to investigate air turbulent flow within a rectangular container filled with spheres in cubic arrangement and different baffles alternatively inserted between the spheres. The model systems formed the complex geometric structures where three length scales were distinguished. Hence, the local fluctuations of air velocity were examined in the micro-scale determined by the size of the anemometric probe. The interstitial flow distributions, in turn, were investigated in the cell scale related to the sphere diameter. At last, the pressure drop changes caused by the superficial flow distributions were analysed in the apparatus scale. In each case, the particular experimental data were approximated by numerical modelling. However, when the information exchange between the complementary models was arranged, the significance of the flow mechanisms dominating in particular length scales could be confirmed in relation to all the experimental data determined in this work. In recapitulation, it was indicated how experimental and numerical investigations can be effectively combined in searching for a “profitable” anisotropy of the packing resistance to flow.