The effect of different subgrid-scale models on the flow field in cyclone separator using large-eddy simulations: A benchmark study

Abstract The cyclone separator is extensively utilized across industries to extract solid particles from gas streams. This study is focused on the steady and unsteady simulations of the Stairmand cyclone using large-eddy simulations aiming to assess the performance using different subgrid-scale models viz. standard Smagorinsky ( C s =1), dynamic Smagorinsky, Wall-Adapting Local Eddy-Viscosity (WALE), Wall-Modeled LES (WMLES), and dynamic kinetic energy models. The velocity profiles within the cyclone separator were analyzed under both steady and unsteady conditions, with reference to the Hoekstra experiment for validation and comparison. Velocity profiles inside the cyclone separator were inadequately predicted by the steady-state simulation, whereas the unsteady-state simulation yielded results more aligned with experimental values. The present study suggests that adopting subgrid-scale LES models such as standard Smagorinsky and WMLES offers a better option for analyzing flow patterns.