Advances in computational fluid mechanics have provided the basis for further insight into the dynamics of multiphase flows. Currently there are two approaches for the numerical calculation of multiphase flows: the Euler-Lagrange approach (discussed in Introduction) and the Euler-Euler approach (discussed in the following section).
In the Euler-Euler approach, the different phases are treated mathematically as interpenetrating continua. Since the volume of a phase cannot be occupied by the other phases, the concept of phasic volume fraction is introduced. These volume fractions are assumed to be continuous functions of space and time and their sum is equal to one. Conservation equations for each phase are derived to obtain a set of equations, which have similar structure for all phases. These equations are closed by providing constitutive relations that are obtained from empirical information, or, in the case of granular flows , by application of kinetic theory.
In Ansys Fluent, three different Euler-Euler multiphase models are available: the volume of fluid (VOF) model, the mixture model, and the Eulerian model.
The VOF model (described in Volume of Fluid (VOF) Model Theory) is a surface-tracking technique applied to a fixed Eulerian mesh. It is designed for two or more immiscible fluids where the position of the interface between the fluids is of interest. In the VOF model, a single set of momentum equations is shared by the fluids, and the volume fraction of each of the fluids in each computational cell is tracked throughout the domain. Applications of the VOF model include stratified flows, free-surface flows, filling, sloshing, the motion of large bubbles in a liquid, the motion of liquid after a dam break, the prediction of jet breakup (surface tension), and the steady or transient tracking of any liquid-gas interface.
The mixture model (described in Mixture Model Theory) is designed for two or more phases (fluid or particulate). As in the Eulerian model, the phases are treated as interpenetrating continua. The mixture model solves for the mixture momentum equation and prescribes relative velocities to describe the dispersed phases. Applications of the mixture model include particle-laden flows with low loading, bubbly flows, sedimentation , and cyclone separators. The mixture model can also be used without relative velocities for the dispersed phases to model homogeneous multiphase flow.
The Eulerian model (described in Eulerian Model Theory) is the most complex of
the multiphase models in Ansys Fluent. It solves a set of 
momentum and continuity
equations for each phase. Coupling is achieved through the pressure
and interphase exchange coefficients. The manner in which this coupling
is handled depends upon the type of phases involved; granular (fluid-solid)
flows are handled differently than nongranular (fluid-fluid) flows.
For granular flows, the properties are obtained from application of
kinetic theory. Momentum exchange between the phases is also dependent
upon the type of mixture being modeled. Ansys Fluent’s user-defined
functions allow you to customize the calculation of the momentum exchange.
Applications of the Eulerian multiphase model include bubble columns,
risers, particle suspension, and fluidized beds.