Numerical simulation for fluid droplet impact on discrete particles with coupled SPH-DEM method

Abstract

Purpose

A new coupled model is developed to simulate the interaction between fluid droplet collisions on discrete particles (DPs) by using mathematic function.

Design/methodology/approach

In this model, the smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) is used based on the kernel function and the time step which takes into consideration to the fluid domain in accordance with the discrete element method (DEM) with resistance function. The interaction between fluid and DPs consists of three parts, which are repulsive force, viscous shear force and attractive force caused by the capillary action. The numerical simulation of droplet collision on DPs presents the whole process of droplet motion. Otherwise, an experimental data were conducted to record the realistic process for verification.

Findings

The comparison result indicated that the numerical simulation is capable of capturing the entire process for droplet collision on DPs.

Research limitations/implications

However, based on the difference of experimental environment, type of the DP and setups, the maximum spreading dimeters of could not fit the experimental data exactly.

Originality/value

In sum, the coupled SPH-DEM method simulation shows that the coupled model of SPH-DEM developed an entire effectiveness process for fluid–solid interaction problem.

Citation

Li, Y., Li, D., Bie, S., Wang, Z., Zhang, H., Tang, X. and Zhen, Z. (2018), "Numerical simulation for fluid droplet impact on discrete particles with coupled SPH-DEM method", International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, Vol. 28 No. 11, pp. 2581-2605. https://doi.org/10.1108/HFF-11-2017-0464