Numerical Study of Various Shape Aggregations of Carbon Black in Suspension with Shear Flow

Aggregates of carbon black with various shapes in a suspension were investigated to understand their behavior in fluid flow. At a lower aspect ratio, the particles exhibited tumbling or rotational motion, and the fluid flow was deflected in regions where the density of particles was higher. The contact between the particles promoted partial particle grouping when the aspect ratios of the particles were low. The average transitional motion of the particles was greatest at the lowest aspect ratio case. This led to weaker rearrangement event than those when the particles were nearly spherical. The elongated particles could act as bridges to promote the formation of particle groups. We believe that our study provides insight for suspensions containing particles with various shapes, which can be used to control the suspensions Theologically.