A coupled CFD-DEM model for simulating the rheology of particulate suspensions Online publication date: Mon, 04-Sep-2017
by Evan M. Smuts; David A. Deglon; Chris J. Meyer
Progress in Computational Fluid Dynamics, An International Journal (PCFD), Vol. 17, No. 5, 2017
Abstract: This paper describes the development of a numerical model used to study the rheology of particulate suspensions. A combination of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and the discrete element method (DEM) was used to model the fluid and particulate phases, respectively. Initially, CFD models of different rheometer geometries were tested for both a Newtonian and a non-Newtonian fluid. Once the single-phase model had been validated, a coupled model combining CFD and DEM was created. This coupled model is currently capable of modelling spherical particles in a suspending liquid. DLVO forces were included to account for the surface charge on particles. Different numerical parameters were evaluated for their suitability for this problem. These parameters were used to test the models response to changes in solids volume concentration and different particle surface charge. When compared to experimental data, the model produced similar trends.
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