Numerical simulation of mid-air collisions between droplets and particles: An examination of particle forces and kinetic energy dissipation

Abstract

Mid-air collisions between droplets and particles are common in practical fields. However, existing research mostly focuses on stationary collisions, leading to limited comprehension of particle forces and kinetic energy dissipation during mid-air collisions. To address this gap, we employed a three-dimensional numerical model that combines the volume of fluid and particle motion models to explore this phenomenon. The pressure force is the most influential factor in force analysis. By increasing the Weber number, the pressure force and hence the total force are amplified. Moreover, reducing the Reynolds number and the collision angle results in an increase in the viscous force. The principal form of kinetic energy dissipation is pressure energy. High Weber numbers decrease the dissipation of initial kinetic energy, and the impact of the Reynolds number is minimal. Furthermore, increasing collision angles result in decreased kinetic energy dissipation, while the dissipation of rotational kinetic energy is notably negligible.