Combined three‐dimensional lattice Boltzmann method and discrete element method for modelling fluid–particle interactions with experimental assessment

Abstract

AbstractA general algorithmic framework is established in this paper for numerical simulations of three‐dimensional fluid–particle interaction problems with a large number of moving particles in turbulent flows using a combined lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) and discrete element method (DEM). In this approach, the fluid field is solved by the extended three‐dimensional LBM with the incorporation of the Smagorinsky turbulence model, while particle interactions are modelled by the DEM. The hydrodynamic interactions between fluid and particles are realized through the extension of an existing two‐dimensional fluid–particle hydrodynamic interaction scheme. The main computational aspects comprise the lattice Boltzmann formulation for the solution of fluid flows, the incorporation of a large eddy simulation‐based turbulence model within the framework of the three‐dimensional LBM for turbulent flows, the moving boundary condition for hydrodynamic interactions between fluid and moving particles, and the discrete element modelling of particle‐particle interactions. To assess the solution accuracy of the proposed approach, a much simplified laboratory model of vacuum dredging systems for mineral recovery is employed. The numerical results are compared with the experimental data available. It shows that the overall correspondence between numerical results and experimental measurements is good and thus indicates, to a certain extent, the solution accuracy of the proposed methodology. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.