In this work we quantitatively assess, via instabilities, a Navier–Stokes-order (small-Knudsen-number) continuum model based on the kinetic theory analogy and applied to inelastic spheres in a homogeneous cooling system. Dissipative collisions are known to give rise to instabilities, namely velocity vortices and particle clusters, for sufficiently large domains. We compare predictions for the critical length scales required for particle clustering obtained from transient simulations using the continuum model with molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The agreement between continuum simulations and MD simulations is excellent, particularly given the presence of well-developed velocity vortices at the onset of clustering. More specifically, spatial mapping of the local velocity-field Knudsen numbers ( $K{n}_{u} $ ) at the time of cluster detection reveals $K{n}_{u} \gg 1$ due to the presence of large velocity gradients associated with vortices. Although kinetic-theory-based continuum models are based on a small- $Kn$ (i.e. small-gradient) assumption, our findings suggest that, similar to molecular gases, Navier–Stokes-order (small- $Kn$ ) theories are surprisingly accurate outside their expected range of validity.

Flow instabilities encountered in the homogeneous cooling of a gas–solid system are considered via lattice-Boltzmann simulations. Unlike previous efforts, the relative contribution of the two mechanisms leading to instabilities is explored: viscous dissipation (fluid-phase effects) and collisional dissipation (particle-phase effects). The results indicate that the instabilities encountered in the gas–solid system mimic those previously observed in their granular (no fluid) counterparts, namely a velocity vortex instability that precedes in time a clustering instability. We further observe that the onset of the instabilities is quicker in more dissipative systems, regardless of the source of the dissipation. Somewhat surprisingly however, a cross-over of the kinetic energy levels is observed during the evolution of the instability. Specifically, the kinetic energy of the gas–solid system is seen to become greater than that of its granular counterpart (i.e. same restitution coefficient) after the vortex instability sets in. This cross-over of kinetic energy levels between a more dissipative system (gas–solid) and a less dissipative system (granular) can be explained by the alignment of particle motion found in a vortex. Such alignment leads to a reduction in both collisional and viscous energy dissipation due to the more glancing nature of collisions.