Lattice Boltzmann simulation of flow past a non-spherical particle

Abstract

Lattice Boltzmann method was used to predict the fluid-particle interaction for arbitrary shaped particles. In order to validate the reliability of the present approach, simulation of flow past a single stationary spherical, cylindrical or cubic particle is conducted in a wide range of Reynolds number (0.1<Rep<3000). The results indicate that the drag coefficient is closely related to the particle shape, especially at high Reynolds numbers. The voxel resolution of spherical particle plays a key role in accurately predicting the drag coefficient at high Reynolds numbers. For non-spherical particles, the drag coefficient is more influenced by the particle morphology at moderate or high Reynolds numbers than at low ones. The inclination angle has an important impact on the pressure drag force due to the change of projected area. The simulated drag coefficient agrees well with the experimental data or empirical correlation for both spherical and non-spherical particles.