Numerical Simulation of Heavy Particle Dispersion Time Step and Nonlinear Drag Considerations

Numerical experiments can be used to study heavy particle dispersion by tracking particles through a numerically generated instantaneous turbulent flow field. In this manner, data can be generated to supplement physical experiments. To perform the numerical experiments efficiently and accurately, the time step used when tracking the particles through the fluid must be chosen correctly. After finding a suitable time step for one particular simulation, the time step must be reduced as the total integration time increases and as the free-fall velocity of the particle increases. Based on the numerical calculations, we suggest that the nonlinear drag be included in a numerical simulation if the ratio of the particle’s Stokes free-fall velocity to the fluid rms velocity is greater than two.