The aim of the present study was to investigate the sensitivity of a multiphase Eulerian CFD model with respect to relations defining drag forces between phases. The mean relative error as well as standard deviation of experimental and computed values of pressure gradient and average liquid holdup were used as validation criteria of the model. Comparative basis for simulations was our own data-base obtained in experiments carried out in a TBR operating at a co-current downward gas and liquid flow. Estimated errors showed that the classical equations of Attou et al. (1999) defining the friction factors Fjk approximate experimental values of hydrodynamic parameters with the best agreement. Taking this into account one can recommend to apply chosen equations in the momentum balances of TBR.

The mathematical approach to SOFC modelling helps to reduce dependence on the experimental approach. In the current study, six different diffusion mass transfer models were compared to more accurately predict the process behavior of fuel and product diffusion for SOFC anode. The prediction accuracy of the models was extensively studied over a range of parameters. New models were included as compared to previous studies. The Knudsen diffusion phenomenon was considered in all the models. The stoichiometric flux ratio approach was used. All the models were validated against experimental data for a binary (CO-CO2) and a ternary fuel system (H2-15 H2O-Ar). For ternary system, the pressure gradient is important for pore radius below 0.6 μm and current density above 0.5 A/cm2. For binary system, the pressure gradient may be ignored. The analysis indicates that the MBFM is identified to be the best performing and versatile model under critical SOFC operating conditions such as fuel composition and cell temperature. The diffusive slip phenomenon included in MBFM is useful in SOFC operating conditions when fuel contains heavy molecules. The DGMFM is a good approximation of DGM for the binary system.

The investigation of the couple stress fluid flow behaviour between two parallel plates under sudden stoppage of the pressure gradient is considered. Initially, a flow of couple stress fluid is developed between the two parallel plates under a constant pressure gradient. Suddenly, the applied pressure gradient is stopped, and the resulting unsteady flow is studied. This type of flow is known as run-up flow in the literature. Now the flow is expected to come to rest in a long time. Usually, these types of problems are solved by using the Laplace transform technique. There are difficulties in obtaining the inverse Laplace transform; hence, many researchers adopt numerical inversions of Laplace transforms. In this paper, the problem is solved by using the separation of variables method. This method is easier than the transform method. The velocity field is analyti-cally obtained by applying the usual no-slip condition and hyper-stick conditions on the plates, and hence the volumetric flow rate is derived at subsequent times. The steady state solution before the withdrawal of the pressure gradient is matched with the initial condition on time. The rest time, i.e. the time taken by the fluid to come to rest after the pressure gradient is withdrawn is calculated. The graphs for the velocity field at different times and different couple stress parameters are drawn. In the special case when a couple stress parameter approaches infinity, couple stress fluid becomes a viscous fluid. Our results are in good agreement with this special case.