(143f) Numerical Simulation of Suspension Flow in Wavy Channels

Fluid-particle suspensions are commonly used in various industrial applications such as food processing and material processing. In certain situations the flow of suspension occurs through wavy and tortuous channels. Accurate predictions of the particle concentration in such channels are required for determination of operating parameters. In this study we have studied the shear induced migration phenomena during flow of highly concentrated suspensions in wavy channels using the diffusive flux model. We have also carried out Stokesian dynamics simulation for flow of concentrated suspensions in wavy channels and the results from diffusive flux model are in qualitative agreement with the Stokesian dynamics simulations. Simulations in wavy channels were carried out for various particle concentrations and the particle velocity and concentration profiles were determined. The forces on the channels walls were also computed. It is observed that in a wavy channel the particles undergo shear induced migration resulting in higher concentration in the centre of the channel and lower at the wall. The migration pattern is different from the straight channel and we observe maximum particle concentration in the neck region of the wavy channel. The wall stresses were determined from the knowledge of the forces and it is observed that the particle concentration and amplitude of the channel wall has strong influence.