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Finite element lattice Boltzmann simulations of free surface flow in a concentric cylinder. (English) Zbl 1268.76051
Summary: The annular centrifugal contactor is a compact mixer/centrifuge device designed for liquid-liquid extraction operations in processes for recycling nuclear fuel. The flow in the annulus of a centrifugal contactor is similar to the Taylor vortex flow with superimposed axial flow. The major differences are that the contactor has one end that is open to air and the free surface effects dominate the annular flow. In this study, we demonstrate the application of a finite element lattice Boltzmann equation (FE-LBE) method to the annular mixing geometry as found in a centrifugal contactor. The computational results are validated with available experimental observations with the Reynolds number ($$Re$$) in the range of $$1250 <Re<2000$$. The rotation rate of the inner cylinder determines the final flow modes, and time-dependent traveling waves emerge past a critical $$Re$$.

##### MSC:
 76M28 Particle methods and lattice-gas methods 76M10 Finite element methods applied to problems in fluid mechanics
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