Dynamics of single, non-spherical ellipsoidal particles in a turbulent channel flow

Abstract

Using disk, spherical and needle-like particles with equal equivalent volume diameters, the orientational dynamics of non-spherical particles is studied in a turbulent channel flow. An Eulerian–Lagrangian approach based on large eddy simulation with a dynamic sub-grid scale model is used to predict a fully developed gas–solid flow at a shear Reynolds number Reτ=300. Particle shape and orientation are accounted for by the coupling between Newton׳s law of translational motion and Euler׳s law of rotational motion, both in a Lagrangian framework. The particle shapes are simulated using the super-quadrics form, with the dynamically relevant parameters being the particle aspect ratio, equivalent volume diameter and response time. The translational and orientational behaviour of single particles initially released at three different locations in the wall-normal direction are monitored, with analysis showing a clear distinction between the behaviour of the different particle shapes. The results show that turbulent dispersion forces non-spherical particles to have a broad orientation distribution. The orientational states observed include periodic, steady rotation, tumbling, precessing and nutating. Velocity gradient, aspect ratio and particle inertia all have an effect on the alignment of the particle principal axis to the inertial axes. Unlike spherical particles, the disk and needle-like particles display a transition from one orientational state to another, especially when their initial position is in the near-wall region, with the frequency of this transition highest for the disk-like particle. Overall, this study leads to an improved understanding of the significance of shape on particle behaviour which is of relevance to many practical flows.