Reynolds Number Effects on Particle Agglomeration in Turbulent Channel Flow

The work described in this paper employs large eddy simulation and a discrete element method to study particle-laden flows, including particle dispersion and agglomeration, in a horizontal channel. The particle-particle interaction model is based on the Hertz-Mindlin approach with Johnson-Kendall-Roberts cohesion to allow the simulation of Van der Waals forces in a dry air flow. The influence of different flow Reynolds numbers, and therefore the impact of turbulence, on particle agglomeration is investigated. The agglomeration rate is found to be strongly influenced by the flow Reynolds number, with most of the particle-particle interactions taking place at locations close to the channel walls, aided by the higher turbulence and concentration of particles in these regions.