Abstract
Two turbulent models, the conventional k-ε and Reynolds Stress models, are employed to simulate turbulent recirculating two-phase flow generated by air injection to a ladle with or without throughflow. A Lagrangian-Eulerian scheme for two phases is computed numerically. It is shown that the k-ε model, while overpredicting turbulent kinetic energy, underpredicts the mean velocity of the Reynolds Stress model. It is also disclosed that the dispersion rate of a plume is more dependent on the bubble flow-rate than on the bubble size. The location of the air injection nozzle is varied for the throughflow case. It is shown that the k-ε model is not suitable for predicting highly swirling flow, even though it yields results which are in agreement with measurements in less swirling flow. It is also revealed that air injection from the left bottom nozzle is more effective in reducing the zone of zero turbulent kinetic energy which results in poor mixing.
