Developing a Validated Numerical Model of Granular Material Flow in a Heat Exchanger

Springer Link (Chiba Institute of Technology) 2026 Open access

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Authors: Samkelo M. Khumalo, Daniel Makundwaneyi Madyira, Waldermar F. Cieslakiewicz, Dewald Scholtz, Garikai Tawanda Marangwanda
DOI: 10.1051/epjconf/202634701004/pdf
Cited by: 0

Abstract

This paper presents the development of a validated numerical model of granular material flowability in a heat exchanger using the DEM modelling in STAR-CCM+ software. The model is developed based on an experiment. The simulation model is validated qualitatively and quantitatively from experimental data. The comparison between the experimental and simulated velocities, velocity profiles and mass flowrates demonstrate a high degree of similarity. For instance, the percentage difference of mass flowrate between the experiment and simulation data is 5.61% and the maximum percentage difference of the particle velocity is 9.53% which reflects a reasonable level of agreement.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Granular flow and fluidized beds Heat and Mass Transfer in Porous Media Particle Dynamics in Fluid Flows

Publication details

Journal / source
Springer Link (Chiba Institute of Technology)
Publication date
14 January 2026
Language
EN