This course covers introductory concepts related to population balances in multiphase computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Population balances are employed in chemical engineering to describe the evolution of polydisperse multiphase systems composed of droplets, bubbles, and particles. They find applications in numerous chemical engineering fields, including crystallization, multiphase chemical reactors, aerosol evaporation, and polymer processing. The course begins with fundamental concepts (e.g., the definition of the number density function) and proceeds to the derivation of the main governing equations and their primary solution methods. Particular emphasis is placed on the method of moments—specifically, the quadrature method of moments—and its implementation in finite-volume CFD codes. Practical hands-on sessions using OpenFOAM are also planned toward the end of the course.

By the end of the course, students will be able to: - Understand and describe multiphase CFD models - Formulate population balance models for multiphase systems - Solve population balance models using numerical methods - Run basic population balance model simulations using OpenFOAM

To fully benefit from the course, students are expected to have prior knowledge of the following topics: - Basic concepts of vector and tensor notation - Numerical methods for solving partial differential equations - Numerical techniques for spatial and temporal interpolation and integration - Fundamental knowledge of transport phenomena and multiphase flows

Introduction to polydisperse multiphase systems Number density function, particle size distribution, velocity distributions, and probability density functions Population balance equation and generalized population balance equation Method of moments and derivation of the two-fluid model Quadrature method of moments (QMOM) and its variations Solving population balances using OpenFOAM

The course consists of traditional lectures and hands-on sessions using the students' personal computers.

Marchisio DL, Fox RO. Computational Models for Polydisperse Particulate and Multiphase Systems. Cambridge University Press; 2013. https://doi-org.ezproxy.biblio.polito.it/10.1017/CBO9781139016599

Dispense; Libro di testo; Esercitazioni di laboratorio; Strumenti di simulazione;

Modalità di esame: Prova orale obbligatoria;

Exam: Compulsory oral exam;

... Students will be divided into small groups and asked to prepare a PowerPoint presentation on one of the course topics. Each group will present their work and answer questions related both to their presentation and to the overall course content. The entire examination for each group will last no more than one hour.

Gli studenti e le studentesse con disabilità o con Disturbi Specifici di Apprendimento (DSA), oltre alla segnalazione tramite procedura informatizzata, sono invitati a comunicare anche direttamente al/la docente titolare dell'insegnamento, con un preavviso non inferiore ad una settimana dall'avvio della sessione d'esame, gli strumenti compensativi concordati con l'Unità Special Needs, al fine di permettere al/la docente la declinazione più idonea in riferimento alla specifica tipologia di esame.