Hydro dynamic modeling of stratified smooth two-phase turbulent flow with curved interface through circular pipe

This study is motivated by the need to develop a model for numerical calculations of fully developed, stratified smooth gas-liquid pipe flow. A configuration of a curved interface is considered. The curved gas-liquid interface is modeled by invoking the principle of minimal total system energy (sum of potential and surface energies). The two-dimensional, steady-state axial momentum equation is solved together with a low Reynolds k-ε turbulence model for a variable interface curvature. The continuity of the shear stress and the velocity across the interface are enforced. The computations are performed in the bipolar coordinate system for convenient describing the curved interface and mapping of the physical domain. The numerical method compares well with experimental data of pressure gradient, liquid holdup, vertical and horizontal profile of the longitudinal velocity. In addition, the result indicates that the interfacial configuration effects on the liquid holdup and pressure gradient are significant.