Detached eddy simulations of rising Taylor bubbles

Abstract A numerical study of turbulent flow induced by Taylor bubbles rising in a stagnant liquid column is presented in this paper. Predictions of the void fraction, mean velocity and turbulent fluctuations are compared with available experimental results. In addition, we analysed the wall pressure and differential wall pressure fields as well as the temperature field produced by the interaction of a Taylor bubble with a heated tube wall. Implications for pressure measurements and thermal fluctuations in two-phase systems are discussed. A second simulation was performed to shed light on Taylor bubble coalescence, specifically highlighting the distinct mechanisms that operate in different parts of the wake region.