Coupled CFD-DEM Numerical Simulation of the Interaction of a Flow-Transported Rag with a Solid Cylinder

Abstract

A coupled Computational Fluid Dynamics-Discrete Element Method (CFD-DEM) approach is used to calculate the interaction of a flexible rag transported by a fluid current with a fixed solid cylinder. More specifically a hybrid Eulerian-Lagrangian approach is used with the rag being modeled as a set of interconnected particles. The influence of various parameters is considered, namely the inlet velocity (1.5, 2.0, and 2.5 m/s, respectively), the angle formed by the initially straight rag with the flow direction (45°, 60°and 90°, respectively), and the inlet position (90, 100, and 110 mm, respectively). The results show that the flow rate has a significant impact on the permeability of the rag. The higher the flow rate, the higher the permeability and the rag speed difference. The angle has a minor effect on rag permeability, with 45°being the most favorable angle for permeability. The inlet position has a small impact on rag permeability, while reducing the initial distance between the rag an the cylinder makes it easier for rags to pass through.