In order to address the fundamental challenge that the discrete nature of particles poses for modelling and understanding, in this project we will establish a one-way and (optionally) two-way coupling methodology between a TFM simulation and an embedded discrete particle simulation, which can be placed into an arbitrary sub-region of the computational domain.

Specific objectives are:

1. Conduct a sensitivity analysis of gas–solid drag correlations for homogeneous and heterogeneous particle arrangements;
2. Perform CFD–DEM and TFM simulations for a spout fluidized bed to compare with experiments provided by Hamburg University of Technology;
3. Develop a robust coupling between the discrete and continuum approaches;
4. Validation of the simulations with experiments at Hamburg University of Technology and BASF to establish predictive capability.

Expected Results:

1. Numerically robust discrete particle zoom functionality established for TFM simulations;
2. Accelerated coupled discrete particle–TFM simulations of fluidized beds;
3. Validation via experiments in fluidized beds at BASF and comparative experiments from Hamburg University of Technology.