Euler–Euler large eddy simulations for dispersed turbulent bubbly flows

• Improved mean flow and turbulence prediction with Euler–Euler LES for bubbly flows.
• Euler–Euler LES are compared with other two different approaches in the same geometry.
• Experimental energy spectrum is used for the criterion of the grid requirement.
• 1-D spectra analysis for a time signal in bubble column.

In this paper we present detailed Euler–Euler Large Eddy Simulations (LES) of dispersed bubbly flow in a rectangular bubble column. The motivation of this study is to investigate the potential of this approach for the prediction of bubbly flows, in terms of mean quantities. The physical models describing the momentum exchange between the phases including drag, lift and wall force were chosen according to previous experiences of the authors. Experimental data, Euler–Lagrange LES and unsteady Euler–Euler Reynolds-Averaged Navier–Stokes results are used for comparison. It is found that the present model combination provides good agreement with experimental data for the mean flow and liquid velocity fluctuations. The energy spectrum obtained from the resolved velocity of the Euler–Euler LES is presented as well.