Atomization and Sprays, Vol.19, No.12, 1171-1191, 2009
A DISCUSSION ON THE STOCHASTIC MODELING OF SPRAY FLOWS
Most theoretical and numerical models of multiphase flows can be placed into one of three categories: Eulerian-Eulerian, Lagrangian-Eulerian, or stochastic methods. Stochastic methods generally involve the development and evolution of a probability density function (pdf) to describe random variables representing particle or droplet properties. This article presents a survey of stochastic spray modeling frameworks that have appeared in the literature. A review of the spray equation and the sectional approach provides a background to a more extensive discussion on specific modeling methods, including assumed pdfs, maximum-entropy moment closure, and particle methods. Several examples are provided to highlight each modeling technique as well as an examination of the advantages and disadvantages of each method.