Stochastic model for predicting the shape of flexible fibers in suspensions

Abstract

The shape of flexible fibers in a suspension varies depending on the hydrodynamic interaction of each fiber with the flow and with the neighboring fibers. By examining the total fiber forces from direct numerical simulations, this study proposes a reduced-order stochastic model that predicts the three-dimensional shape of fibers settling inertially in a suspension of different concentrations. While at low concentrations gravity is the main contributor to the planar deformation of the fibers, at higher concentrations, the interaction of fibers with each other creates large out of plane deformations.