Assessment of model parameters in MFiX particle-in-cell approach.

[Display omitted] • Non-Intrusive approach to assess parameters in Particle-In-Cell (PIC) model. • Three widely different conditions common in engineering applications are studied. • Model parameters show variable sensitivities depending on flow conditions. • Scaling of statistical weight is required for consistency during grid refinement. The limitations in numerical treatment of solids-phase in conventional methods like Discrete Element Model and Two-Fluid Model have facilitated the development of alternative techniques such as Particle-In-Cell (PIC). However, a number of parameters are involved in PIC due to its empiricism. In this work, global sensitivity analysis of PIC model parameters is performed under three distinct operating regimes common in chemical engineering applications, viz. settling bed, bubbling fluidized bed and circulating fluidized bed. Simulations were performed using the PIC method in Multiphase Flow with Interphase eXchanges (MFiX) developed by National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL). A non-intrusive uncertainty quantication (UQ) based approach is applied using Nodeworks to first construct an adequate surrogate model and then identify the most influential parameters in each case. This knowledge will aid in developing an effective design of experiments and determine optimal parameters through techniques such as deterministic or statistical calibration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]