Configuration-dependent dynamics of non-spherical particles in a gas–solid fluidized bed

Abstract

Configuration-dependent dynamics of non-spherical particles are investigated experimentally in a quasi-two-dimensional gas–solid fluidized bed. We show that the vertical velocity profiles are sensitive to the aspect ratio at low gas velocity, but not sensitive at high gas velocity. The velocity distribution, especially the rotational velocity distribution, deviates from the Maxwellian distribution. The joint probability density distribution of vertical and rotational velocity is asymmetric. We identify two high-probability particle configurations, two particles in a parallel or vertical arrangement, by calculating the radial distribution function, nematic correlation function and coordination number. We further explain the cause of this order appearance through entropy theory. By comparing the drag force of the particle configurations at various angles and Re, we demonstrate that it is necessary to put forward the configuration-dependent drag force for non-spherical particle fluidization.