Multiphase

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Multiphase Flow
• Introduction p. 382
• Specifying Fluids for Multiphase Flow p. 387

• Multifluid Model p. 389
• Phasic Hydrodynamic Equations p. 392
• Interphase Momentum Transfer Models p. 394
• Heat Transfer p. 407
• Turbulence Modelling in Multiphase Flow p. 411
• Multicomponent Multiphase Flow p. 415

• Additional Variables in Multiphase Flow p. 416
• Sources in Multiphase Flow p. 421

• Boundary Conditions in Multiphase Flow p. 422
• Modelling Advice for Multiphase Flow p. 426
• Restrictions p. 429
Page 381 CFX-5.5.1

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Introduction
Multiphase flow refers to the situation where more than one fluid is
present. Each fluid may possess its own flow field, or all fluids may
share a common flow field. Unlike multicomponent flow, the fluids are
not mixed on a microscopic scale in multiphase flow. CFX-5 includes a
variety of multiphase models to allow the simulation of processes
which transport and bring into direct contact multiple fluid streams to
effect mixing, reaction, and separation.
Multiphase flow in CFX-5 uses a Eulerian–Eulerian multiphase

model. Two different sub-models are available for Eulerian-Eulerian
multiphase flow:
The Homogeneous Model
This is the simplest model, in which all fluids share the same flow field.
It is suitable for modelling:
• Free surface flows where the interface is well defined.
• Dispersed flows of extremely small particles.
This model is discussed separately, see Homogeneous Multiphase

and Free Surface Flow (p. 431) for details.
The Inter-fluid Transfer or Inhomogeneous Model
Each fluid possesses its own flow field and the fluids interact via
interphase transfer terms. Two different sub-models are available
which differ in the way they model the interphase transfer terms. These
are:
• The Particle Model. This is suitable for modelling simple dispersed

multiphase flow problems, for example:
• the dispersion of gas bubbles in a liquid,

• the dispersion of liquid droplets in a gas or in immiscible liquid,
• the dispersion of solid particles in a gas or in a liquid.
• The Mixture Model. This is suitable for modelling more complex

multiphase flow problems, for example:
Page 382 Introduction CFX-5.5.1

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• Gas-liquid flow containing both continuous and dispersed gas
and liquid phases.
• Churn flow.
This chapter describes how multiphase flow is modelled and also

includes modelling advice.
The corresponding information for single-phase, single-component

flow can be found in the following:
• Details of the models used for single-phase flow can be found in
Physical Models, Fluid Properties and Boundary Conditions in
CFX-5 (p. 207).
• The mathematical implementation of the single-phase flow can be

found in Mathematical Models and Solution Algorithms (p. 249).
• Advice on modelling can be found in Advice on Flow Modelling

With CFX-5 (p. 469).
You are advised to read the relevant sections in the single-phase

documentation before reading this chapter, since this chapter extends
the information given in the single-phase documentation.
The notation used in this chapter is defined in List of Symbols (p. 250)
and in Multiphase Notation (p. 385).
Terminology
The following terms are used in CFX-5 multiphase flow.
Multiphase Flow
Multiphase flow is a flow in which more than one fluid is present. In
general, the fluids consist of different chemical species, e.g. air-water.
In some applications, they may represent different thermodynamic
phases of the same species, e.g. steam-water.
It is important to distinguish between multicomponent and multiphase

flow. A multicomponent fluid is assumed to consist of a mixture of
chemical species which are mixed at the molecular level. In this case,
we solve for single mean velocity and temperature fields etc. for the
fluid. Examples are gaseous mixtures, and solutes in liquids.

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The fluids in a multiphase flow are assumed mixed at macroscopic
length scales, much larger than molecular. Examples are gas bubbles
in a liquid, liquid droplets in a gas or another immiscible liquid etc. In
this case. it is necessary to solve for different velocity and temperature
fields etc. for each fluid. These may interact with each other by means
of interfacial forces and heat and mass transfer across the phase
interfaces.
For example, if cold wet particles are injected into a fast flowing stream
of hot air, the particles will be accelerated by interphase drag, they will
be heated up by heat transfer across the phase boundary, and they will
be dried by evaporation of water into water vapour at the phase
boundary.
Multicomponent Multiphase Flow
It is possible to combine the notions of multicomponent and multiphase

flows. In this case, more than one fluid is present, and each such fluid
may be a mixture of chemical species mixed at molecular length
scales. An example is air bubbles in water in which ozone gas is
dissolved in both the gaseous and liquid phases. In this case, mass
transfer of common species may occur by diffusion across the phase
interface.
Morphology
Morphology is used to describe the “connectivity” or “distribution” of the

fluid – whether it forms a single continuous medium, or whether it is
present, for example, in small droplets which are not connected.
Dispersed Phase
A dispersed solid or dispersed fluid is one which is present in discrete
regions which are not connected. Examples are water droplets in air,
bubbles, and solid particulates.
Continuous Phase
A continuous phase or continuous fluid is one which forms a connected
continuous region. An example is air, when modelling rain drops in air.

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Volume Fraction
Multiphase modelling employs the notion of interpenetrating

continua. Although phases are mixed at length scales much larger
than molecular, they are also assumed to be mixed at length scales
smaller than we wish to resolve.
Thus, each phase is assumed to be present in principle in each control

volume, and assigned a volume fraction equal to the fraction of the
control volume occupied by that phase.
Eulerian-Eulerian
The Eulerian-Eulerian model is the multiphase model that has been

implemented in CFX-5. Future versions of CFX-5 will support other
multiphase models, such as the Lagrangian Tracking model.
Within the Eulerian-Eulerian model, the interphase transfer terms can
be modelled using either the Particle Model, the Mixture Model or the
Homogeneous Model.
Multiphase Notation
Different phases of fluids are denoted using lowercase Greek letters α,
β, γ, etc. In general, a quantity subscribed with α, β, γ, etc., refers to the
value of the quantity for that particular phase. For example, the volume
fraction of α is denoted rα. Thus, the volume Vα occupied by phase α
in a small volume V around a point of volume fraction rα is given by:
V α = rαV
It is important to distinguish between the material density of fluid α ρα,

the mixture density of a fluid, and the effective density of fluid α. The
effective density is defined as:
ρ̃ α = r α ρ α
The material density, ρα, is the density of the fluid if it is the only phase
present, i.e. the mass of α per unit volume of α. The effective density
is the actual mass per unit volume of phase α, given that phase α only
occupies a fraction of the volume, i.e. the mass of α per unit volume of
the bulk fluid.

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The mixture density is given by:
ρm = ∑ ρα r α
α

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Specifying Fluids for Multiphase Flow

Currently, you are allowed to select five fluids for multiphase flow. To
select the fluids for a multiphase flow, set the number of fluids on the
domains form, and select distinct fluids from the library of fluids which
have been defined under the fluids editor.
In general each fluid possesses its own velocity, temperature and

volume fraction field, although it shares a common pressure field with
other fluids. If more than one fluid is used in a simulation, then the
volume fractions of the fluids must sum to unity at any computational
point in space and in time.
Fluid specific attributes are defined on the Fluid Details form in

CFX-Build - see Fluid Details (p. 1082 in CFX-Build: Chapter 4).
• Morphology: see Morphology (p. 1040 in CFX-Build:

Chapter 4).
• Mean Diameter: see Mean Diameter (p. 1040 in CFX-Build:

Chapter 4)
• Minimum Volume Fraction: see Minimum Volume Fraction

(p. 1041 in CFX-Build: Chapter 4).
• Maximum Packing: see Maximum Packing (p. 1041 in

CFX-Build: Chapter 4)
Multiphase Examples
The following are examples of multiphase flow.
Water droplets in air

Water droplets in air constitute two different fluids which are mixed at
the macroscopic level and not the microscopic level. Hence you need
to use a multiphase model and define two distinct fluids, Water and Air.
Each fluid contains only one component comprising of one material (air
or water), whose properties can be defined. Air is the Continuous
Phase, and Water is the Dispersed Phase.
Page 387 Specifying Fluids for Multiphase Flow CFX-5.5.1

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Air bubbles in water
As above, you need to use a multiphase model and define two distinct
fluids, Water and Air. In this case. Air is the Dispersed Phase, and
Water is the Continuous Phase.
Gas-solid and liquid-solid flow
It is possible to model the motion of a large number of solid particles in

a gas or a liquid as an Eulerian-Eulerian two phase flow. Examples
occur in pneumatic conveying, sedimentation in rivers, and fluidised
beds.
For example, the two phases may be Water, the Continuous Phase,
and Sand, the Dispersed Phase.
In such problems, you should assign the solid phase a small

insignificant molecular viscosity. This is permissible, as the physics is
dominated by inter-phase drag and turbulence effects. The solid phase
should be assigned free slip boundary conditions at walls.
Three-phase flow
It is possible to have more than one dispersed phase in a continuous

phase. For example, certain regimes of water-oil-gas flow in an oil
pipeline may involve both oil droplets and gas bubbles immersed in a
continuous water phase.
Poly-dispersed flow
The above dispersed flow examples assume a single mean particle

diameter for the dispersed phases. Poly-dispersed flows involve
dispersed phases of different mean diameters. In these cases, it is
necessary to define a different phase for each particle size, as the
particle size has a strong influence on interphase transfer. For
example, to model the flow of air bubbles in water of different
diameters, you need to create three fluids, Air1, Air2, Air3 say, each
with the same material properties as air. Then set the number of fluids
equal to four, and select Water, Air1, Air2 and Air3 as the four fluids.
Next, under Fluid Models, designate Water as the continuous phase,
and the other three fluids as dispersed phases of desired mean
diameters.
Page 388 Specifying Fluids for Multiphase Flow CFX-5.5.1

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Multifluid Model
In the multifluid model there is one solution field for each separate
phase. Transported quantities interact via interphase transfer terms.
For example, two phases may have separate velocity and temperature
fields, but there will be a tendency for these to come to equilibrium
through interphase drag and heat transfer terms.
Phases are labelled using Greek indices α, β, γ. The total number of

phases is NP. The volume fraction of each phase is denoted rα, where
α = 1 to NP.
Interfacial Area Density

Interfacial transfer of momentum, heat and mass is directly dependent
on the contact surface area between the two phases. This is
characterised by the interfacial area per unit volume between phase α
and phase β, known as the interfacial area density, Aαβ. Note that it has
dimensions of one over length.
Interfacial transfer can be modelled using either the particle or mixture

models. These essentially provide different algebraic prescriptions for
the interfacial area density.
The Particle Model
The particle model for interfacial transfer between two phases

assumes that one of the phases is continuous (phase α) and the other
is dispersed (phase β). The surface area per unit volume is then
calculated by assuming that phase β is present as spherical particles
of Mean Diameter dβ. Using this model, the interphase contact area is:
6r β
A αβ = --------
dβ
Non-dimensional interphase transfer coefficients may be correlated in

terms of the particle Reynolds number and the fluid Prandtl number.
These are defined using the particle mean diameter, and the
continuous phase properties, as follows:
Page 389 Multifluid Model CFX-5.5.1

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ρα U β – U α d β
Re αβ = --------------------------------------
µα
µ α C Pα
Pr αβ = ------------------
λα
where µα, CPα and λα are the viscosity, specific heat capacity and
thermal conductivity of the continuous phase α.
The Mixture Model
This is a very simple model which treats both phases α, β

symmetrically. It may be appropriate as a first approximation or as the
basis of user supplied interfacial transfer models for a calculation of
non-disperse liquid-liquid or gas-liquid two phase flow. It does not
make any assumptions about the morphology of the phases. The
surface area per unit volume is calculated from
rαrβ
A αβ = -----------
d αβ
where dαβ is an interfacial length scale, which you must specify. This is
done on the Multiphase Options (p. 1088 in CFX-Build: Chapter 4)
form in CFX-Build.
By way of example, suppose we have oil-water flow in which we may
have either water droplets in continuous oil, or oil droplets in
continuous water, in the limits r α → 0 , r β → 0 respectively. Then, a
simple model for interfacial area density which has the correct
behaviour in these two limits is given by:
6r α r β rαdβ + rβdα
A αβ = ------------------------------- ⇒ d αβ = -------------------------------
rαdβ + rβdα 6
Non-dimensional interphase transfer coefficients may be correlated in

terms of the mixture Reynolds number and Prandtl number defined
as follows:
ρ αβ U β – U α d αβ
Re αβ = --------------------------------------------
µ αβ

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µC Pαβ
Pr αβ = -----------------
λ αβ
where ραβ, µαβ, CPαβ and λαβ are the density, viscosity, specific heat
capacity and thermal conductivity of the mixture respectively, defined
by:
ρ αβ = r α ρ α + r β ρ β
µ αβ = r α µ α + r β µ β
etc.

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Phasic Hydrodynamic Equations

The following is a summary of the equations of momentum and mass
transfer for inhomogeneous multiphase flow in CFX-5. The equivalent
for single-phase flow can be found in Transport Equations (p. 262).
The equivalent for homogeneous multiphase flow can be found in
Homogeneous Hydrodynamic Equations (p. 434).
Momentum Equations
∂
( r ρ U ) + ∇•( r α ( ρ α U α U α ) )
∂t α α α
T
= – r α ∇ p α + ∇•( r α µ α ( ∇U α + ( ∇U α ) ) ) + S Mα + M α
where:
• SMα describes momentum sources due to external body forces, and

user defined momentum sources, see User Specified Sources
(p. 270).
• Mα describes the interfacial forces acting on phase α due to the
presence of other phases. See Interphase Momentum Transfer
Models (p. 394) for the models available for interfacial forces.
• The above momentum equations are valid for fluid phases only. For
dispersed solid phases, additional terms are present representing
additional stresses due to particle collisions.
Continuity Equations
∂
----- ( r α ρ α ) + ∇ • ( r α ρ α U α ) = S MSα (Eq. Sol.-74)
∂t
where:
• SMSα describes user specified mass sources, see User Specified

Sources (p. 270).
Volume Conservation Equation
This is simply the constraint that the volume fractions sum to unity:
Page 392 Phasic Hydrodynamic Equations CFX-5.5.1

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NP
∑ rα = 1 (Eq. Sol.-75)
α=1
Pressure Constraint
The complete set of hydrodynamic equations represent 4NP + 1

equations in the 5NP unknowns UαVα, Wα, rα, Pα. We need NP -1 more
equations to close the system. These are given by constraints on the
pressure, namely that all phases share the same pressure field:
pα = p for all α = 1,......, N P
Page 393 Phasic Hydrodynamic Equations CFX-5.5.1

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Interphase Momentum Transfer Models

Interphase momentum transfer, Mαβ, occurs due to interfacial forces
acting on each phase α due to interaction with another phase β. The
total force on phase α due to interaction with other phases is denoted
Mα, and is given by:
Mα = ∑ Mαβ
β≠α
Note that interfacial forces between two phases are equal and
opposite, so the net interfacial forces sum to to zero:
( M αβ = – M βα ) ⇒ ∑ Mα = 0
α
The total interfacial force acting between two phases may arise from
several independent physical effects:
D L LUB VM TD
M αβ = M αβ + M αβ + M αβ + M αβ + M αβ + M S + ....
The forces indicated above respectively represent the interphase drag

force, lift force, wall lubrication force, virtual mass force, turbulence
dissipation force and solids pressure force (for dense solid particle
phases only).
CFX-5.5.1 provides a wide range of physical models for the most

important of these forces, namely interphase drag. These models are
described in Interphase Drag (p. 394).
CFX-5.5.1 also provides a simple model for the turbulent dispersion
force. See Interphase Turbulent Dispersion Force (p. 404).
Models for other forces will implemented in future releases of CFX-5.
Interphase Drag
The following general form is used to model interphase drag force
acting on phase α due to phase β.
(d )
M α = c αβ ( U β – U α )
Page 394 Interphase Momentum Transfer Models CFX-5.5.1

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Note that cαα = 0 and cαβ = cβα. Hence the sum over all phases of all
interphase transfer terms is zero.
(d )
In this section, we describe how the coefficients c αβ may be computed
from a knowledge of dimensionless drag coefficients. We also describe
the range of models available for drag coefficients.
For low Mach number flows, the drag exerted on an immersed body by
a moving fluid arises from two mechanisms only . The first is due to the
viscous surface shear stress, and is called skin friction. The second
is due to the pressure distribution around the body, and is called the
form drag. We denote the continuous phase by α and the dispersed
phase by β. The total drag force is most conveniently expressed in
terms of the dimensionless drag coefficient,
D
C D = --------------------------------------------
1 2
--- ρ α ( U α – U β ) A
2
where ρ is the fluid density, ( Uα - Uβ ) is the relative speed, D is the

magnitude of the drag force and A is the projected area of the body in
the direction of flow.
Interphase Drag for the Particle Model

(d )
For spherical particles, the coefficients c αβ may be derived
analytically. The area of a single particle projected in the flow direction,
Ap, and the volume of a single particle Vp are given by:
2 3
πd πd
A p = --------- V p = ---------
4 6
where d is the mean diameter. The number of particles per unit volume,
np is given by:
rβ 6r β
n p = ------- = ---------
Vp 3
πd
The drag exerted by a single particle on the continuous phase is,
1
D p = --- C D ρ α A p U β – U α ( U β – U α )
2

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Hence the total drag per unit volume on the continuous phase is,
3 CD
D αβ = n p D p = --- -------- r β ρ α U β – U α ( U β – U α )
4 d
Comparing with the momentum equation for phase α, where the drag
force per unit volume is:
(d )
D αβ = c αβ ( U β – U α )
we get,
(d ) 3 CD
c αβ = --- -------- r β ρ α U β – U α
4 d
which can be written as:
(d ) CD
c αβ = -------- A αβ ρ α U β – U α
8
This is the form implemented in CFX-5.
For a particle of simple shape, immersed in a Newtonian fluid and

which is not rotating relative to the surrounding free stream, the drag
coefficient, CD, depends only on the particle Reynolds number. The
function CD ( Reαβ ) may be determined experimentally, and is known
as the drag curve.
CFX-5 offers several different models for the drag curve, and also
allows you to specify the drag coefficients directly.
This section describes drag correlations specific to dispersed

multiphase flow.
Specifying a Drag Coefficient
You can choose to specify the dimensionless Drag Coefficients CD

directly. This is done by selecting to use the Drag Coefficient option on
the Multiphase Options form in CFX-Build, and entering the
appropriate Drag Coefficient (see Multiphase Options (p. 1088 in
CFX-Build: Chapter 4)

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You can supply your own drag coefficient correlation as an expression
and are free to define your own interfacial Reynolds number, or any
other dimensionless group.
Dilute Solid Particles
At low particle Reynolds numbers (the viscous regime), the drag

coefficient for flow past spherical particles may be computed
analytically. The result is Stokes’ law:
24
C D = ------, Re « 1
Re
For particle Reynolds numbers which are sufficiently large for inertial
effects to dominate viscous effects (the inertial or Newton’s regime),
the drag coefficient becomes independent of Reynolds number:
5
C D = 0.44, 1000 ≤ Re ≤ 1 – 2x10
In the transitional region between the viscous and inertial regimes,

0.1 < Re < 1000 for spherical particles, both viscous and inertial effects
are important. Hence, the drag coefficient is a complex function of
Reynolds number, which must be determined from experiment.
This has been done in detail for spherical particles. Several empirical
correlations are available. The one available in CFX-5.5.1 is due to
Schiller and Naumann (1933) [7]. It can be written as follows:
Schiller Naumann Drag Model

24 0.687
C D = ------ ( 1 + 0.15Re )
Re
CFX-5 modified this to ensure the correct limiting behaviour in the

inertial regime by taking:
C D = max  ------ ( 1 + 0.15Re ), 0.44

24 0.687
 Re 
This should only be used for solid spherical particles, or for fluid
particles that are sufficiently small that they may be considered
spherical. For non-spherical particles, the user should supply the drag
curve from experiment.

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You can select this Drag Curve by selecting to use the Schiller
Naumann Drag Model on the Multiphase Models form in CFX-Build
(see Multiphase Options (p. 1088 in CFX-Build: Chapter 4)).
Dense Solid Particles
As the Schiller Naumann correlation is derived for flow past a single

spherical particle, it is only valid in the dilute limit of very small solid
phase volume fractions.
On the other hand, the Wen Yu correlation is valid for solid phase
volume fractions at least up to 0.2, and possibly higher.
Wen Yu Drag Model
max  -------- ( 1 + 0.15Re' ), 0.44

– 1.65 24 0.687
CD = rc Re' = r c Re
 Re′ 
Note that this has the same functional form as the Schiller Naumann
correlation, with a modified particle Reynolds number, and a power law
correction, both functions of the continuous phase volume fraction rc.
You can select this Drag Curve by selecting to use the Wen Yu Drag
Model on the Multiphase Models form in CFX-Build (see Multiphase
Options (p. 1088 in CFX-Build: Chapter 4)).
You may also change the Volume Fraction Correction Exponent

from its default value of -1.65, if you wish.
For very dense gas-solid or liquid-solid flows, such as occur in fluidised
bed applications, the Gidaspow correlation is recommended. This uses
the Wen Yu correlation for low solid volume fractions rd < 0.2, and
switches to Ergun’s law for flow in a porous medium for larger solid
volume fractions.
Gidaspow Drag Model

C D = C D ( Wen Yu ), r c > 0.8
2
(d ) ( 1 – r c ) µ c 7 ( 1 – r c )ρ c U c – U d
c αβ = 150 --------------------------- + --- ------------------------------------------------ , r c < 0.8
2 4 dp
rcd p

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You can select this Drag Curve by selecting to use the Gidaspow Drag
Options (p. 1088 in CFX-Build: Chapter 4)). You may also change
the Volume Fraction Correction Exponent of the Wen Yu part of the
correlation from its default value of -1.65, if you wish.
Dilute Fluid Particles (drops and bubbles)
At sufficiently small particle Reynolds numbers (the viscous regime),

fluid particles behave in the same manner as solid spherical particles.
Hence the drag coefficient is well approximated by the Schiller-
Naumann correlation described above.
C D ( sphere ) = max  ------ ( 1 + 0.15Re ), 0.44

24 0.687
 Re 
At larger particle Reynolds numbers, the inertial or distorted particle

regime, surface tension effects become important. The fluid particles
become, at first, approximately ellipsoidal in shape, and finally,
spherical cap shaped.
In the spherical cap regime, the drag coefficient is well approximated

by:
8
C D ( cap ) = ---
3
Several correlations are available for the distorted particle regime.

CFX-5 uses the Ishii Zuber and Grace and correlations.
Ishii-Zuber Drag Model

This is applicable to general fluid particles (drops and bubbles), for any
pair of phases.
In the distorted particle regime, the drag coefficient is approximately

constant, independent of Reynolds number, but dependent on particle
shape through the dimensionless group known as the Eotvos
number, which measures the ratio between gravitational and surface
tension forces:
2
g∆ρd p
Eo = -----------------
σ
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Here, ∆ρ is the density difference between the phases, g is the
gravitational acceleration, and σ is the surface tension coefficient.
The Ishii-Zuber correlation gives:
2 1⁄2
C D ( ellipse ) = --- Eo
3
You can select this Drag Curve by selecting to use the Ishii-Zuber
In this case, CFX-5 automatically takes into account the spherical

particle and spherical cap limits by setting:
C D = C D ( sphere ) if C D ( sphere ) ≥ C D ( ellipse )

C D = min ( C D ( ellipse ), C D ( cap ) ) if C D ( sphere ) < C D ( ellipse )
The Ishii Zuber Model also automatically takes into account dense fluid
particle effects. See Dense Fluid Particles (p. 401) for full details.
Grace Drag Model

This model was developed using air-water data and produces better
results for air-water systems. Here the drag coefficient in the distorted
particle regime is given by:
4 gd ∆ρ
C D ( ellipse ) = --- -------- -------
3 U 2 ρc
T
where the terminal velocity UT is given by:
µc – 0.149
U T = ------------ M ( J – 0.857 )
ρc d p
where:
4
µ c g∆ρ
M = ----------------- = Morton Number
2 3
ρ σ
and:

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0.751
 0.94H 2 < H ≤ 59.3
J = 
 3.42H 0.441 H > 59.3
– 0.149  µ c 
– 0.14
4
H = --- EoM  ---------
3  µ ref
µref = 0.0009 kg m-1 s-1 is the molecular viscosity of water at some

reference temperature and pressure.
You can select this Drag Curve by selecting to use the Grace Model on
the Multiphase Models form in CFX-Build (see Multiphase Options
(p. 1088 in CFX-Build: Chapter 4)).
In this case, CFX-5 automatically takes into account the spherical

particle and spherical cap limits by setting:

Availability
Both the Ishii Zuber and Grace Drag Models make explicit use of the
gravity vector and surface tension. Hence, both are only available for
buoyant multiphase flows with specified surface tension. The fluid
morphologies must be “Continuous” and “Dispersed Fluid”
respectively.
Dense Fluid Particles
Ishii-Zuber Drag Model

The Ishii Zuber drag laws automatically take into account dense
particle effects. This is done in different ways for different flow regimes.
In the viscous regime, where fluid particles may be assumed to be

approximately spherical, the Schiller Naumann correlation is modified
using a mixture Reynolds number based on a mixture viscosity.

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Dense Spherical Particle Regime (Ishii Zuber)
24 0.687
C D ( sphere ) = ---------- ( 1 + 0.15Re m )
Re m
ρc U d – U c d p
Re m = ------------------------------------
µm
µm  r d  – 2.5r d µ * µ d + 0.4µ c
------- =  1 – --------- µ * = --------------------------
µc  r dm µd + µc
Here, rdm is the user defined Maximum Packing value. This is defaulted
to unity for a dispersed fluid phase.
In the distorted particle regime, the Ishii Zuber modification takes the
form of a multiplying factor to the single particle drag coefficient.
Dense Distorted Particle Regime (Ishii Zuber)

2 1⁄2
C D ( ellipse ) = E ( r d )C D∞ , C D∞ = --- Eo
3
2 1⁄2
C D∞ = --- Eo
3
6⁄7
( 1 + 17.67 f ( r d ) ) µc 1⁄2
E ( r d ) = --------------------------------------------------, f ( r d ) = ------- ( 1 – r d )
18.67 f ( r d ) µm
Dense Spherical Cap Regime (Ishii Zuber)

2 3
C D ( cap ) = ( 1 – r d ) C D∞ , C D∞ = ---
8
The Ishii Zuber correlation, as implemented in CFX-5, automatically

selects flow regime as follows:
Automatic Regime Selection (Ishii Zuber):

You can select this Drag Curve by selecting to use the Ishii Zuber

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Grace Drag Model
The Grace drag model, as described in Dilute Fluid Particles (drops
and bubbles) (p. 399), is formulated for flow past a single bubble.
You can select this Drag Curve by selecting to use the Grace Model on
the Multiphase Models form in CFX-Build (see Multiphase Options
(p. 1088 in CFX-Build: Chapter 4)).
For high bubble volume fractions, it may be modified using a simple

power law correction:
p
C D = r c C D∞
Here, C D∞ is the single bubble Grace drag coefficient. For the dilute
limit, leave the Volume Fraction Correction Exponent at its default
value of zero. For non-dilute flows, set a non-zero value, depending on
the bubble size as discussed below.
Small bubbles tend to rise more slowly at high void fraction, due to an
increase in the effective mixture viscosity. To capture this effect, a
negative exponent p < 0 should be used. The Ishii Zuber correlation
gives p = -1 in this limit. p = -0.5 has also been used successfully by
some investigators.
Large bubbles, on the other hand, tend to rise faster at high void
fractions, because they are dragged along by the wakes of other
bubbles. This effect may be modelled using a positive exponent, p > 0
should be selected. The Ishii Zuber correlation uses p = 2 in this
regime. The value p = 4 has been used successfully by some
investigators [46].
Interphase Drag for the Mixture Model

In the mixture mode, we define a non-dimensional drag coefficient
CD, as follows:
D αβ = C D ρ αβ A αβ U β – U α ( U β – U α )
where D αβ is the total drag exerted by phase β on phase α per unit

volume.
The mixture density ραβ is given by:

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ρ αβ = r α ρ α + r β ρ β
and the interfacial area per unit volume Aαβ is given by:
rαrβ
A αβ = -----------
d αβ
where d αβ is a user-specified mixture length scale.
The mixture model is primarily a tool to permit advanced users to

specify their own interfacial transfer models for complex situations.
Hence the only drag model available is the specified Drag Coefficient
model. This may be a constant, or a function defined using expression
language or user fortran.
Interphase Turbulent Dispersion Force

CFX-5 implements the model for turbulent dispersion force due to
Lopez de Bertodano (1991) [34].
Lopez de Bertodano Turbulent Dispersion Model

TD TD
Mc = –M d = – C TD ρ c k c ∇r c
Unfortunately, there does not exist a universally valid value of the non-
dimensional Turbulent Dispersion Coefficient CTD. Values of
0.1 - 0.5 have been used successfully for bubbly flow with bubble
diameters of order a few millimetres. See Lopez de Bertodano
(1998) [35]. for a general discussion on recommended values of CTD.
You can select this model by selecting to use the Lopez de Bertodano
Turbulent Dispersion Model on the Multiphase Models form in
CFX-Build (see Multiphase Options (p. 1088 in CFX-Build:
Chapter 4)). Under this option, you may set the Turbulent Dispersion
Coefficient as a constant or as an expression.
Solid Particle Collision Forces

Forces due to solid collisions may be taken into account by introducing
additional solids pressure and solids stress terms into the solid phase
momentum equations:

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∂
( r ρ U ) + ∇•( r s ( ρ s U s U s ) ) = – r s ∇P f + ∇P s + ∇•( r s τ s ) + S M + M s
∂t s s s
Here, Pf denotes the fluid phase pressure, Ps and τs denote the solids
pressure and stress tensor respectively due to inter-particle collisions,
SM describes momentum sources due to external body forces and user
defined momentum sources acting on the solid phase, and Ms
describes interfacial forces acting on the solid phase due to
interactions with other phases (e.g. drag).
CFX-5 implements the model due to Gidaspow [32]. This ignores the
solids stress tensor, and assumes that the solids pressure may be
expressed as an empirical function of solid volume fraction,
Ps = Ps ( rs ), so that:
∂P s
∇P s = G ( r s ) ∇r s , G ( r s ) = ---------
∂r s
Bouillard et al (1989) [31] assumed the following functional form of the

Generalised Solids Elasticity Modulus:
G ( r s ) = G 0 exp ( – c ( r s – r sm ) )
You can select this model by selecting to use the Gidaspow Model for
solids pressure on the Fluid Models form in CFX-Build for dispersed
solid phases. (see Fluid Details (p. 1082 in CFX-Build: Chapter 4)).
Under this option, you must set the Reference Elasticity Modulus,
G0, and the Compaction Modulus, c. There are no universally
accepted values for these. Values used by Bouillard et al [31] are:
G 0 = 1 Pa, c = 20 to 600
The parameter rsm is the Maximum Packing Parameter, see

Maximum Packing (p. 1041 in CFX-Build: Chapter 4).
Fortunately, results tend to be insensitive to the details of the solids

pressure model. The solids pressure gradient is only activated in
regions close to the maximum packing, where its tendency is to
prevent solid volume fractions from becoming too large.
Using this simple model, in conjunction with the Gidaspow drag model
(see Dense Solid Particles (p. 398)), it is possible to model the large
scale features of bubbling fluidised beds.
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There is a more sophisticated class of models which use the Kinetic
Theory of Granular Flow to model the solids pressure and stresses.
These will be implemented in future releases of CFX-5.

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Heat Transfer
In the multiphase model, there are separate enthalpy and temperature
fields for each phase. The phases are not in general in thermal
equilibrium, so heat is transferred across phase interfaces via
interphase transfer terms.
Phasic Equations
Heat transfer is governed by the multiphase thermal energy equations
for sensible enthalpy:
∂
( r ρh ) + ∇•( r α ( ρ α U α h α – λ α ∇T α ) ) = Sα + Qα
∂t α α
where:
• hα, Tα, λα, denote the sensible enthalpy, the temperature, and the
thermal conductivity of phase α.
• Sα describes external heat sources, see User Specified Sources

(p. 270).
• Qα denotes interphase heat transfer to phase α across interfaces

with other phases. See Interphase Heat Transfer Models (p. 407).
Note that the total energy equation option is not permitted for
multiphase flow in CFX-5.5.1.
Interphase Heat Transfer Models

Interphase heat transfer occurs due to thermal non-equilibrium across
phase interfaces. The total heat per unit volume transferred to phase α
due to interaction with other phases is denoted Qα, and is given by:
Qα = ∑ Qαβ
β≠α
where:
Q αβ = – Q βα ⇒ ∑ Qα = 0
α
Page 407 Heat Transfer CFX-5.5.1

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Heat transfer across a phase boundary is usually described in terms of
a heat transfer coefficient hαβ, which is the amount of heat energy
crossing a unit area per unit time per unit temperature difference. Thus,
the rate of heat transfer, Qαβ, per unit time across a phase boundary of
interfacial area per unit volume Aαβ, from phase β to phase α, is:
Q αβ = h αβ A αβ ( T β – T α )
This may be written in a form analogous to momentum transfer:
(h)
Q αβ = c αβ ( T β – T α )
(h)
where the interphase heat transfer coefficient, c αβ , is modelled using
the correlations described below.
Particle Model Correlations
For particle model the interphase heat transfer coefficient is modelled

as:
(h)
c αβ = h αβ A αβ
Hence, in order to specify the interphase heat transfer coefficient (and

subsequently the interphase heat transfer term), it is necessary to
specify the interfacial area per unit volume and the heat transfer
coefficient hαβ.
The interfacial area density calculation is described in The Particle
Model (p. 389).
It is often convenient to express the heat transfer coefficient in terms of

a dimensionless Nusselt number:
λNu
h = -----------
d
In the particle model, the thermal conductivity scale λ is taken to be the

thermal conductivity of the continuous phase, and the length scale d is
taken to be the mean diameter of the dispersed phase:
λ α N u αβ
h αβ = ---------------------
dβ

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For laminar forced convection around a spherical particle, theoretical
analysis shows that Nu = 2. For a particle in a moving incompressible
Newtonian fluid, the Nusselt number is a function of the particle
Reynolds number Re and the surrounding fluid Prandtl number
Pr = µα CPα / λα.
The available models in CFX-5.5.1 are given below. They can be
selected in the Multiphase Options form in CFX-Build (see
Multiphase Options (p. 1088 in CFX-Build: Chapter 4)).
• Ranz-Marshall Correlation. The most well tested correlation for

flow past a spherical particle is that of Ranz and Marshall [8]:
0.5 0.3
Nu = 2 + 0.6Re Pr 0 ≤ Re < 200 0 ≤ Pr < 250
This is based on boundary layer theory for flow past a spherical

particle. Its restriction to particle Reynolds number should be noted.
• Hughmark Correlation. Hughmark [9] proposed the following

empirical correlation for flow past a spherical particle.
0.5 0.33
2 + 0.6Re Pr 0 ≤ Re < 776.06 0 ≤ Pr < 250
Nu =
0.62 0.33
2 + 0.27Re Pr 776.06 ≤ Re 0 ≤ Pr < 250
It extends the Ranz Marshall correlation to a wider range of

Reynolds numbers. The Reynolds number cross over point is
chosen to guarantee continuity.
• Nusselt Number. Specify the Nusselt Number directly. This should

be based on empirical correlations, if available, for your application.
• Heat Transfer Coefficient. You specify the Heat Transfer

Coefficient directly. This should be based on empirical correlations,
if available.
• Interface Flux. This is an advanced option which permits

experienced users to implement interphase heat transfer models
which are not of the simple form of a heat transfer coefficient
multiplied by a bulk temperature difference.
The user specifies directly the interfacial heat flux F12 from fluid 1 to
fluid 2 of a specified fluid pair. This is the rate of heat transfer per
unit time per unit interfacial area from phase 1 to phase 2. Hence the
heat transferred to fluid 2 from fluid 1 per unit volume is given by:

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Q 21 = – Q 12 = A 12 F 12
F12 may be given as a constant or an expression.
Typically, F12 will be a function of the fluid 1 and fluid 2 temperature

fields, and possibly other variables. In this case, the user may
accelerate convergence of the coupled solver by also specifying
optional fluid 1 and fluid 2 heat flux coefficients.
∂F 12 ∂F 21
h 1 ≈ ------------ ≥ 0 , h 2 ≈ ------------ ≥ 0
∂T 1 ∂T 2
For numerical stability these coefficients should be positive (or

zero). The partial derivatives need not be computed exactly; it is
sufficient for the specified coefficients to simply approximate the
partial derivatives. Specification of heat flux coefficients only affects
the convergence rate to the solution of the coupled heat transfer
equations, it does not affect the accuracy of the converged solution.
For example, the simple model using a heat transfer coefficient

multiplied by a bulk temperature difference my be recovered using:
F 12 = – F 21 = h ( T 1 – T 2 ), h1 = h2 = h
Mixture Model Correlations
If you are using the mixture model, interphase heat transfer may be
specified using either:
• A specified heat transfer coefficient
• A specified Nusselt number.

• The interface flux model
In this case, the Nusselt number is defined in terms of a mixture

conductivity scale and the mixture length scale:
λ αβ N u αβ
h αβ = ------------------------, λ αβ = r α λ α + r β λ β
d αβ

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Turbulence Modelling in Multiphase Flow

This section describes the extension of the single-phase turbulence
models to multiphase simulations. You are encouraged to read
Turbulence and Turbulence Models (p. 211 in CFX-5 Solver and
Solver Manager), which describes single-phase turbulence modelling,
before reading this section.
Phase-Dependent Turbulence Models

All models available for single-phase calculations are also available for
multiphase calculations. It is even possible to use different models in
different phases. For example, a recommended model for dilute
dispersed two-phase flow uses a k-ε model for the continuous phase,
and an algebraic eddy viscosity model for the dispersed phase, which
simply sets the dispersed phase viscosity proportional to the
continuous phase eddy viscosity.
The Eddy Viscosity Hypothesis
The eddy viscosity hypothesis is assumed to hold for each turbulent

phase. Diffusion of momentum in phase α is governed by an effective
viscosity:
µ αeff = µ α + µ tα
Algebraic Models
If using the zero-equation algebraic turbulence model, there are
several options:
• The default zero-equation model uses a formula based on
geometric length scale and the mean solution velocity. This should
be used with caution for multiphase flow, as it is correlated for
single-phase turbulent pipe flow. The turbulence viscosity is
modelled as the product of a turbulent velocity scale, Utα, and a
turbulence length scale, ltα, as proposed by Prandtl and
Kolmogorov,
µ tα = ρ α f µ U tα l tα
Page 411 Turbulence Modelling in Multiphase Flow CFX-5.5.1

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where fµ is a proportionality constant. The velocity scale is calculated
to be the maximum velocity in phase α. If you specify a value for the
velocity scale it will be used for all phases. The length scale is derived
using the formula:
1
---
3
V
l tα = ------D-
7
where VD is the fluid domain volume.

• You may supply your own prescription for eddy viscosity, using a
constant or an expression.
• For dispersed phases only, you may invoke the dispersed phase
algebraic turbulence model.
Note: The algebraic equation model is only available for the disperse fluid when
the continuous fluid is set to use a turbulence model (i.e. not laminar)
νt c ρd µt c
ν t d = ------- ⇒ µ t d = ------ -------
σ ρc σ
The parameter σ is a turbulent Prandtl number relating the dispersed

phase kinematic eddy viscosity νtd to the continuous phase kinematic
eddy viscosity νtc.
In situations where the particle relaxation time is short compared to
turbulence dissipation time scales, e.g. bubbles or very small solid
particles, you may safely use the default value σ = 1.
If the particle relaxation time is long compared to turbulence dissipation

time scales, e.g. large solid particles in a gas, it may be better to use a
value of σ > 1. This is highly model dependent. Several models are
available in the literature.
Two-Equation Models
The k-ε Model

For the k-ε model the turbulent viscosity is modelled as:

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 k2 
α
µ tα = C µ ρ α  ------
ε 
 α
The transport equations for k and ε in a turbulent phase are assumed

to take a similar form to the single-phase transport equations:
∂    µ tα  (k)
( r α ρ α k α ) + ∇• r α  ρ α U α k α –  µ + -------- ∇k α  = r α ( P α – ρ α ε α ) + T αβ
∂t    σk  
∂   µ tα  εα (ε)
( r α ρ α ε α ) + ∇• r α ρ α U α ε α –  µ + -------- ∇ε α = r α ------ ( C ε1 P α – C ε2 ρ α ε α ) + T αβ
∂t   σε   k α
For definitions of the terms, please see The k-e model in CFX-5
(p. 279).
(k) (ε)
The additional terms T αβ and T αβ represent interphase transfer for k
and ε respectively. These are omitted in CFX-5.5.1, though they may
be added as user sources.
Reynolds Stress Models
As for two equation models, the multiphase versions of Reynolds

stress models are equivalent to the single phase version, with all flux
and volumetric source terms multiplied by volume fractions. See
Reynolds Stress Models (RSM) (p. 286) for the single phase
versions.
By default, no additional exchange terms are added, though they may

be added as user sources.
Turbulence Enhancement
In dispersed two phase flows, large particles tend to increase
turbulence in the continuous phase due to the presence of wakes
behind the particles. This is known as Particle Induced Turbulence.
Sato [36] successfully modelled this for bubbly flow using an enhanced
continuous phase eddy viscosity:

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µ tc = µ ts + µ tp
where µ ts is the usual Shear Induced Eddy Viscosity, and µ tp is an

additional Particle Induced Eddy Viscosity:
µ tp = C µp ρ c r d d p U d – U c
This may be selected in the Multiphase Models form in CFX-Build

(see Multiphase Options (p. 1088 in CFX-Build: Chapter 4)).

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Multicomponent Multiphase Flow

CFX-5.5.1 allows the modelling of multiphase multicomponent flows.
Please see Multicomponent Flow (p. 3-367) for details on
multicomponent, single-phase flows.
Transport equations for the mass fractions of components YAα are

assumed to take a similar form those used for single-phase
multicomponent flow:
∂
( r ρ Y ) + ∇•( r α ( ρ α U α Y Aα – Γ Aα ( ∇Y Aα ) ) ) = 0
∂ t α α Aα
One component in each phase must be calculated using a Constraint

in the same way as for single-phase multicomponent flow – refer to
Multicomponent Flow (p. 367). The limitations that currently apply to
single-phase multicomponent flow also apply to multiphase
multicomponent flow, and you should note that the molecular diffusion
coefficients ΓAα are given by ΓAα = ραDAα, where DAα is the Kinematic
Diffusivity set on the Component Models form in CFX-Build (see
Component Models (p. 1086 in CFX-Build: Chapter 4)).
If you need to model interfacial mass transfer of components between

the phases, you are recommended to use Additional Variables to
model your flow.
Source terms in multicomponent multiphase flow behave the same as

multicomponent mass sources, but on a per fluid basis. See User
Specified Sources (p. 270).
Page 415 Multicomponent Multiphase Flow CFX-5.5.1

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Additional Variables in Multiphase Flow

Additional Variables can exist in all fluids or only a limited number of
fluids in a multiphase simulation. In general, interphase transfer of
additional variables can occur between any two phases. When using
the homogeneous model, additional variables can only exist separately
in each fluid and interphase transfer is not permitted.
For the particle and mixture models, the treatment of additional

variables in multiphase flow is very general. Given an additional
variable Φ and a fluid phase α, any one of the following choices is
permissible:
• Φ exists in phase α, and is governed by a transport equation.
• Φ exists in phase α, and is governed by an algebraic equation.
• Φ does not exist in phase α.
When Φ exists in phase α, the corresponding field variable is denoted

Φα. If it obeys a transport equation, it is given by:
∂   (φ) µ tα   (Φ) (Φ)

( r α ρ α φ α ) + ∇•( r α ρ α U α φ α ) – ∇• r α  ρ α D α + ----------- ∇φ α = S α + T α
∂t   Sc tα 
(Eq. Sol.-76)
Note:
• Φα is the conserved quantity per unit mass of phase α.

• φα is the conserved quantity per unit volume of phase α, where
Φα = ραφα
(Φ)
• D α is the Kinematic Diffusivity for the scalar in phase α. This may
be set for each Additional Variable and each phase separately.
(Φ)
• S α is a the external volumetric source term in phase α, with units
of conserved quantity per unit volume per unit time. These are
explained in Additional Variable Source (p. 1096).
(Φ)
• T α represents the total source to φα due to inter-phase transfer
across interfaces with other phases.
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Interphase Additional Variable Transfer Models

It is possible for an additional variable Φα to be coupled to a different
additional variable Ψβ across a phase interface between fluids α and β.
Such a situation may arise, for example, when modelling the
evaporation of water in a solid phase to water vapour in a gaseous
phase. The only restriction is that Φα and Ψβ have the same physical
dimensions.
The total source to Φα per unit volume due to interaction with other
phases is given by:
(Φ) (Φ)
Tα = ∑ T αβ
β≠α
where:
(Φ) (Φ) (Φ)

T αβ = – T αβ ⇒ ∑Tα = 0
α
The simplest models for interphase transfer between Φα and Ψβ take

the driving force to be proportional to the difference in bulk additional
variable values across the phase interface:
(Φ) (φ)
T αβ = c αβ ( ψ β – φ α )
(Φ) (Φ)
T αβ = c αβ ( Ψ β – Φ α )
The first of these is used if the additional variable is defined per unit
mass. The latter is used if the additional variable is defined per unit
volume.
(Φ)
The coefficients c αβ are defined by analogy with heat transfer, as
described in Interphase Heat Transfer Models (p. 407).
Transfer of an additional variable across a phase boundary is

described by an additional variable transfer coefficient ταβ, which is
analogous to the heat transfer coefficient. It is the amount of Φα
crossing a unit area per unit time per unit difference in Φα across the
phase boundary. Thus:

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(Φ)
T αβ = τ αβ A αβ ( ψ β – φ α ), for specific variables
(Φ)
T αβ = τ αβ A αβ ( Ψ β – Φ α ), for volumetric variables
So, we have:
(Φ)
c αβ = τ αβ A αβ
It is often convenient to express the additional variable transfer

coefficient in terms of a dimensionless Sherwood number Sh,
analogous to the Nusselt number in heat transfer.
ΓSh
τ = ----------
d
The diffusivity scale Γ is the kinematic diffusivity D for a volumetric

variable, and the dynamic diffusivity ρD for a specific variable.
Particle Model Correlations
In the particle model, the diffusivity scale Γ is that of the continuous

phase, and the length scale d is the mean diameter of the dispersed
phase:
Γ α Sh αβ
τ αβ = --------------------
dβ
For laminar forced convection around a spherical particle, theoretical

analysis shows that Sh = 2. For a particle in a moving incompressible
Newtonian fluid, the Sherwood number is a function of the particle
Reynolds number Re and the additional variable Prandtl number
Pr = µα / (ρD)α.
The available models in CFX-5.5.1 for the particle model are given
below. They can be selected in the Multiphase Models form in
CFX-Build (see Multiphase Options (p. 1088 in CFX-Build:
Chapter 4)).
• Ranz-Marshall Correlation:
0.5 0.3
Nu = 2 + 0.6Re Pr 0 ≤ Re < 200 0 ≤ Pr < 250

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• Hughmark Correlation.
0.5 0.33
2 + 0.6Re Pr 0 ≤ Re < 776.06 0 ≤ Pr < 250
Nu =
0.62 0.33
2 + 0.27Re Pr 776.06 ≤ Re 0 ≤ Pr < 250
• Sherwood Number. You specify the Sherwood Number directly.

This should be based on empirical correlations, if available, for your
application.
• Additional Variable Transfer Coefficient. You specify the

Additional Variable Transfer Coefficient directly. This should be
based on empirical correlations, if available.
• Interface Flux:
This is an advanced option which permits experienced users to
implement interphase additional variable transfer models which are
not of the simple form of a transfer coefficient multiplied by a bulk
additional variable difference.
The user specifies directly the interfacial flux F12 from additional
variable Φ1 in fluid 1 to additional variable Ψ2 in fluid 2 of a specified
fluid pair. This is the rate of additional variable transfer per unit time
per unit interfacial area from phase 1 to phase 2. Hence the amount
of additional variable transferred to fluid 2 from fluid 1 per unit
volume is given by:
T 21 = – T 12 = A 12 F 12
F12 may be given as a constant or an expression.

Typically, F12 will be a function of the fluid 1 and fluid 2 additional
variable fields, and possibly other variables. In this case, the user
may accelerate convergence of the coupled solver by also
specifying optional fluid 1 and fluid 2 additional variable flux
coefficients.
∂F 12 ∂F 21
c 1 ≈ ------------ ≥ 0 , c 2 ≈ ------------ ≥ 0, if volumetric
∂Φ 1 ∂Ψ 2
∂F 12 ∂F 21
c 1 ≈ ------------ ≥ 0 , c 2 ≈ ------------ ≥ 0, if specific
∂φ 1 ∂ψ 2

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These should be positive (or zero), for numerical stability. The
partial derivatives need not be computed exactly; it is sufficient for
the specified coefficients to simply approximate the partial
derivatives. Specification of additional variable flux coefficients only
affects the convergence rate to the solution of the coupled transfer
equations, it does not affect the accuracy of the converged solution.
For example, the simple model using a transfer coefficient multiplied

by bulk specific additional variable differences my be recovered
using:
F 12 = – F 21 = c ( φ 1 – ψ 2 ), c1 = c2 = c
Mixture Model Correlations
If you are using the mixture model, interphase transport for additional
variables may be specified using either:
• A specified interphase transfer coefficient
• A specified Sherwood number.
• The interface flux model
In this case, the Sherwood number is defined in terms of a mixture

diffusivity scale and the mixture length scale:
Γ αβ Sh αβ
τ αβ = -----------------------, Γ αβ = r α Γ α + r β Γ β
d αβ

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Sources in Multiphase Flow

Sources in multiphase flow are very similar to those in single phase
flow, except that they are implemented on a phase basis.
It is important to note that phasic sources do not automatically include

a volume fraction term. If the intended behaviour of the source is for it
to reduce to zero as the phase volume fraction reduces to zero, then
you should multiply the source by the phase volume fraction.
The single-phase source documentation can be found in User
Specified Sources (p. 270). Also see Sub-domain Sources (p. 1027
in CFX-Build: Chapter 4).
Page 421 Sources in Multiphase Flow CFX-5.5.1

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Boundary Conditions in Multiphase Flow

The implementation of boundary conditions for multiphase flow is very
similar to that for single-phase flow. This is described in Boundary
Conditions (p. 230) (physical description) and Boundary Conditions
(p. 309) (mathematical models). The main differences are:
• Boundary conditions need to be specified for both fluids for all

variables except the shared pressure field.
• Volume fractions of both phases must be specified on Inlet and
Opening boundary conditions. These must sum to unity.
• For multiphase flow, pressure boundary conditions at Inlets, Outlets,
and Openings are always defined in terms of static pressure.
• There is a new option, applicable only to dispersed two phase flow:
Degassing Boundary Condition

For a discussion of the degassing boundary condition, see Degassing
Condition (p. 238 in CFX-5 Solver and Solver Manager)
Wall Boundaries in Multiphase

For multiphase flows, it is convenient to allow two distinct methods for
the user to specify wall boundary conditions:
• Bulk wall boundary conditions are defined as boundary condition

attributes of the wall, and subsequently shared amongst the phases
in a well defined manner. The algorithm for sharing wall fluxes
amongst fluids depends on the concept of a wall contact model, to
be explained shortly.
• Alternatively, wall boundary conditions may be defined on a per
fluid basis. This is a more advanced option, permitting the user
complete flexibility in the definition of multiphase wall boundary
conditions.
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Bulk Wall Boundary Conditions
This is the simplest and most useful option. In most applications, wall
boundary conditions are known as attributes of the wall. It is then part
of the modelling procedure to decide how the consequent wall fluxes
are to allocated amongst the phases in contact with the wall.
For example, for bulk heat transfer, the user may specify either:
• a bulk heat flux to the wall, Qwall, or
• a bulk heat transfer coefficient hwall and outer temperature To, or
• a bulk wall temperature, Twall.
A specified bulk wall heat flux Qwall determines heat fluxes Qα to each
phase α as follows:
Q α = A α Q wall
Here, Aα is the contact area fraction of phase α at the wall. This is

assumed by default to be equal to the volume fraction rα of phase α in
the control cell adjacent to the wall. However, this default may be over-
ridden, as explained below.
A specified bulk heat transfer coefficient hwall determines heat fluxes to
each phase as follows:
Q α = A α h wall ( T o – T α )
A specified wall temperature Twall is allocated to all phases in contact

with the the wall, and resulting wall heat fluxes are partitioned amongst
phases using the contact area fraction.
Area Contact Model
As explained above, a sensible default model for the contact area

fraction Aα of phase α at the wall is that it be identical to the volume
fraction in the control volume adjacent to the wall:
Aα = r α

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However, there are situations in which an alternative model may be
required. For example, for annular gas-liquid flow, the liquid forms a
thin film at the wall. so it is sensible to assign:
A liquid = 1 A gas = 0
Similarly, in dispersed gas-solid flows with spherical solid particles, the

wall contact area of the dispersed phase may be considered to be
negligible relative to the continuous phase.
Hence, CFX-5 includes a facility for the user to over-ride the default
wall contact area model by providing a value or an expression for the
contact area fraction for each phase. Note:
• Contact area fractions must sum to unity over all phases. To

facilitate this, a constraint option has been included which may be
applied to at most one phase at each wall boundary condition.
• Specified contact area fractions are applied to all transport

processes at the wall, that is, wall stresses, heat fluxes, additional
variable fluxes, etc.
• You should only use the simple model:
Aα = 1 Aβ = 0
in situations where phase α does not vanish at the wall. Otherwise,

it is possible that you will be applying a non-zero wall flux to a region
of zero volume of phase α, which could cause the calculation to
overflow. For the same reason, your initial guess should not set the
fluid volume fraction to be zero at a wall when that phase uses a
non-zero area fraction.
• In general it is desirable, though not essential, to express contact

area fractions as functions of volume fraction such that:
Aα → 0 as rα → 0
This ensures that finite wall fluxes do not enter regions of zero volume
of phase α.

Contents Index Help
Fluid Dependent Wall Boundary Conditions
This option is included to give the advanced user complete flexibility in

assigning wall boundary conditions to individual phases. For example,
for heat transfer, the user may specify either:
• the temperature, Tα of phase α, or

• the heat flux Qα to phase α, or
• phase specific heat transfer coefficient hα outer temperature Toα, in
which case:
Q α = h α ( T oα – T α )
Note:
• These options may be mixed arbitrarily amongst the phases.
• Heat fluxes arising from phase specific isothermal boundary

conditions are automatically multiplied by contact area fraction.
• However, specified heat fluxes Qα are not automatically multiplied

by contact area fractions Aα. You should include these as
multiplicative factors in your expressions for Qα or hα, if this is the
effect that you require.
• Care should be exercised to ensure:
Qα → 0 as rα → 0
to prevent overflow errors due to finite sources being applied to zero

fluid volumes.

Contents Index Help
Modelling Advice for Multiphase Flow
Turbulence Models
• For flows in which a dilute phase is dispersed in a continuous phase,

we recommend using the k-ε model for the continuous fluid. For the
dispersed phase, we recommend the Dispersed Phase Zero
Equation turbulence model using the Free Slip option for Wall
Influence On Flow. This type of flow can occur in bubble columns.
• For a liquid phase dispersed in a continuous liquid in which the
phases tend to separate, the k-ε model is recommended for both
fluids. This type of flow occurs in oil-water separators.
• The Turbulent Prandtl Number for an algebraic model should be

unity, except for large heavy particles, in which case it should be
greater than unity.
Minimum Volume Fraction Setting
• The Default option can almost always be used. If this causes

numerical problems, then set the value to be several orders of
magnitude less than the minimum expected physical value, but
larger than machine zero.
Buoyancy
See Buoyancy (p. 217 in CFX-5 Solver and Solver Manager).
Initial Conditions
• Always set slightly different initial velocity fields for each phase to
ensure a non-zero slip velocity. The difference should be a fraction
of the expected terminal slip velocity.
• We recommend you avoid using the default values for the initial
Fluid Volume Fraction. A sensible initial condition can be a suitable
fraction of an inlet condition. For bubble columns which include a
riser and a downer, you should use CEL to ensure the riser has a
Page 426 Modelling Advice for Multiphase Flow CFX-5.5.1

Contents Index Help
non-zero bubble volume fraction, while the downer should have
zero bubble volume fraction. Note that you can leave one fluid to use
the Automatic option — the remaining volume fraction will be
assigned to this fluid such that the volume fractions sum to unity.
Timestepping
• For bubble columns, use a fraction of the bubble rise time for a total
of one rise time, then increase the timestep to a fraction of the fluid
circulation time.
• For dilute particle cases, use a fraction of the dynamical timescale

for the momenta. This is essentially a fluid travel time through or
around the region of interest, but is not always trivial. If volume
fraction convergence is slow, then the timescale for these equations
can be increased suitably.
Convergence
• If convergence stalls completely or becomes very slow, check the

conservation and imbalances at the end of the output file. If these
are acceptable, plot the residual fields. It may be that the residual
fields are good almost everywhere except for a few ‘hot spots’. In
this case the solution is valid. You can also monitor some important
quantity, for example in a bubble column you can monitor if gas hold
up has reached steady-state.
• For a case with a very dilute phase, the continuous phase will have
a volume fraction very close to unity everywhere. Rounding errors
will affect the residuals at a much higher level for the continuous
phase in this case. By default the volume fraction residual target is
10 times the global target residual.
Transient Simulations
• The CFX-Build default of 3 coefficient loops per time step is rarely

adequate to resolve the strong non-linearities present in multiphase
flows, especially during the initial transient. You should set a large
maximum, say 50. Eventually, the code should settle down to only
using a small number of coefficient loops per time step.

Contents Index Help
• If possible, a transient should be started from a small perturbation of
a converged steady state result. This may reduce the number of
coefficient loops required during the initial transient.

Contents Index Help
Restrictions
Various restrictions apply to the implementation of multiphase flow in
CFX-5.5.1. These are summarised here.
• Interphase mass transfer is not supported for CFX-5.5.1.
• Conjugate heat transfer is not supported with multiphase flow.
• Radiation and multiphase flow is not supported.
• If you specify more than two phases, then CFX-Build requires you
to set one phase to be continuous, and the other phases to be
dispersed. Phase pair interactions are only allowed for continuous-
disperse phase pairs. This restriction does not apply to CCL.
• Additional variables are not supported in CFX-Build for more than
two phases. This restriction does not apply to CCL.
• Total Pressure and Total Temperature are not calculated and

written to the results file for multiphase cases.
Page 429 Restrictions CFX-5.5.1

Contents Index Help
Page 430 Restrictions CFX-5.5.1

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CFX-5 Solver and Solver Manager

Master Master Help On Retrace

• Specifying Fluids for Multiphase Flow p. 387

• Phasic Hydrodynamic Equations p. 392

• Interphase Momentum Transfer Models p. 394

• Heat Transfer p. 407

• Turbulence Modelling in Multiphase Flow p. 411

• Multicomponent Multiphase Flow p. 415

• Sources in Multiphase Flow p. 421

• Modelling Advice for Multiphase Flow p. 426

Page 381 CFX-5.5.1

Multiphase flow in CFX-5 uses a Eulerian–Eulerian multiphase

The Homogeneous Model

• Dispersed flows of extremely small particles.

This model is discussed separately, see Homogeneous Multiphase

The Inter-fluid Transfer or Inhomogeneous Model

• The Particle Model. This is suitable for modelling simple dispersed

• the dispersion of gas bubbles in a liquid,

• The Mixture Model. This is suitable for modelling more complex

Page 382 Introduction CFX-5.5.1

This chapter describes how multiphase flow is modelled and also

The corresponding information for single-phase, single-component

• The mathematical implementation of the single-phase flow can be

• Advice on modelling can be found in Advice on Flow Modelling

You are advised to read the relevant sections in the single-phase

It is important to distinguish between multicomponent and multiphase

Page 383 Introduction CFX-5.5.1

Multicomponent Multiphase Flow

It is possible to combine the notions of multicomponent and multiphase

Morphology is used to describe the “connectivity” or “distribution” of the

Page 384 Introduction CFX-5.5.1

Multiphase modelling employs the notion of interpenetrating

Thus, each phase is assumed to be present in principle in each control

The Eulerian-Eulerian model is the multiphase model that has been

It is important to distinguish between the material density of fluid α ρα,

Page 385 Introduction CFX-5.5.1

Page 386 Introduction CFX-5.5.1

Specifying Fluids for Multiphase Flow

In general each fluid possesses its own velocity, temperature and

Fluid specific attributes are defined on the Fluid Details form in

• Morphology: see Morphology (p. 1040 in CFX-Build:

• Mean Diameter: see Mean Diameter (p. 1040 in CFX-Build:

• Minimum Volume Fraction: see Minimum Volume Fraction

• Maximum Packing: see Maximum Packing (p. 1041 in

Water droplets in air

Page 387 Specifying Fluids for Multiphase Flow CFX-5.5.1

Air bubbles in water

Gas-solid and liquid-solid flow

It is possible to model the motion of a large number of solid particles in

In such problems, you should assign the solid phase a small

It is possible to have more than one dispersed phase in a continuous

The above dispersed flow examples assume a single mean particle

Page 388 Specifying Fluids for Multiphase Flow CFX-5.5.1

Phases are labelled using Greek indices α, β, γ. The total number of

Interfacial Area Density

Interfacial transfer can be modelled using either the particle or mixture

The Particle Model

The particle model for interfacial transfer between two phases

Non-dimensional interphase transfer coefficients may be correlated in

Page 389 Multifluid Model CFX-5.5.1

The Mixture Model

This is a very simple model which treats both phases α, β

Non-dimensional interphase transfer coefficients may be correlated in