Numerical study of gas fluidization under increased “gravity”

This paper presents an investigation, by discrete element method simulation, of the effect of increased ‘gravity’ on characteristics of gas fluidization. The particles used are 0.5 mm in diameter and 2650 kg/m3 in density. An artificial interparticle cohesive force is imposed on the particles, allowing simulation of the transition from cohesive behavior to bubbling fluidization. The ‘gravitationalʹ acceleration is varied from 1 to 100g, where ‘g’ is the standard gravitational acceleration on Earth. It was found that the effect of increased ‘gravity’ resembles that caused by increase in particle density and that this effect is closely associated with the need for increase in superficial gas velocity.