Mathematical model and numerical simulation of pressure wave in horizontal gas-liquid bubbly flow

By using an ensemble-averaged two-fluid model, with valid closure conditions of interfacial momentum exchange due to virtual mass force, viscous shear stress and drag force, a model for pressure wave propagation in a horizontal gas-liquid bubbly flow is proposed. According to the small perturbation theory and solvable condition of one-order linear uniform equations, a dispersion equation of pressure wave is induced. The pressure wave speed calculated from the model is compared and in good agreement with existing data. According to the dispersion equation, the propagation and attenuation of pressure wave are investigated systemically. The factors affecting pressure wave, such as void fraction, pressure, wall shear stress, perturbation frequency, virtual mass force and drag force, are analyzed. The result shows that the decrease in system pressure, the increase in void fraction and the existence of wall shear stress, will cause a decrease in pressure wave speed and an increase in the attenuation coefficient in the horizontal gas-liquid bubbly flow. The effects of perturbation frequency, virtual mass and drag force on pressure wave in the horizontal gas-liquid bubbly flow at low perturbation frequency are different from that at high perturbation frequency.