Scalar equation
The flow solver addresses general scalar equations, defining key variables and terms for transient, convective, and diffusion processes. It includes modeling passive scalars and applications such as gas mixtures and humidity.
In addition to the mass, momentum, and energy equations, the flow solver solves general scalar equations that have the following form:
where the mass fraction is defined as:
and where:
- ρa, ρϕi, and ρ represent the density of the main fluid, the density of the scalar for gas i, and the density of the fluid mixture, respectively.
- Dϕ is the scalar diffusion coefficient.
- is the turbulent or Reynolds flux where ϕ' is the fluctuating mass fraction of the scalar.
The left hand side terms of the scalar equation are the transient term and the convective term, respectively, and the right hand side term is the diffusion term.
Modeling a passive scalar
The general scalar equation can be used to model a passive scalar. In this case, it is assumed that the second component is present in the main fluid in very small quantities.
- ϕ ≪ 1
- ρ ≈ ρa
The passive scalar does not have any influence on the flow. The fluid properties are that of the main fluid, and the properties of the second component are not needed.
The general scalar equation is also used for: