Development of a two-dimensional transient code for simulating particle behavior in hoppers and fluidized beds – Models and code verifications

P–TAK was developed as a generalized computer code for simulating behavior of particles in hoppers and fluidized beds. This two–dimensional code uses Cundalrs Distinct Element Method (DEM) for calculating contact forces between particles, and solves fluid flow by SIMPLE (Semi–Implicit Method for Pressure–Linked Equation) method, taking into account the interaction between particles and fluid. An advantageous characteristic of P–TAK is flexibility in setting diverse simulating conditions including physical properties of particles and boundary conditions for fluid motion as well as shapes of both fluidized beds (or hoppers) and obstacles installed in them. Various simulations were conducted for verifying tne advantage and functions of P–TAK. As the result, P–TAK successfully traced behavior of particles previously reported by other researchers, and appears to present realistic and interesting behavior of particles. In addition, the code demonstrated the potential of simulating the microscopic behavior, which might be precious information for design of a real system but would be hard to obtain through only experiments or tests. This paper reports not only characteristics and models of P–TAK but also the results simulated by the code.