The proposed research makes a connection between micromechanical modeling of particulate flow, supercomputer simulation techniques of governing equations, and experimental verification for fluidized bed technology. The aim is to develop a predictive tool flow patterns and concentration distributions in fluidized beds, including for three-phase flow and circulating fluidized beds. The kinetics theory of granular flow will be applied. Time average and transient solids distributions will be measured and compared to the calculated patterns to guide development of the models. The proposed numerical simulations in fluidized beds will improve our understanding for design purposes, scale-up, control in operation, and anticipation of possible problems such as erosion of internal structures or inadequate gas-solid contracting.
