Simulation of the motion of flexible fibres in viscous fluid flow

• A model for flexible fibers in viscous fluid flow is proposed, and its predictions compared with experiments found in the literature. The incompressible three-dimensional Navier-Stokes equations are employed to describe the fluid motion, while fibers are modeled as chains of fiber segments, interacting with the fluid through viscous and dynamic drag forces. Fiber segments, from the same or from different fibers, interact with each other through normal, frictional and lubrication forces. Momentum conservation is enforced on the system to capture the two-way coupling between phases. Quantitative predictions could be made, and showed good agreement with experimental data, for the period time of Jeffery orbits in shear flow, as well as for the amount of bending of flexible fibers in shear flow. Simulations, using the proposed model, also successfully reproduced the different regimes of motion for threadlike particles, ranging from rigid fiber motion to complicated orbiting behavior, including coiling and self-entanglement.

Subject headings

TEKNIK OCH TEKNOLOGIER  -- Annan teknik (hsv//swe)

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY  -- Other Engineering and Technologies (hsv//eng)

TEKNIK OCH TEKNOLOGIER  -- Kemiteknik (hsv//swe)

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY  -- Chemical Engineering (hsv//eng)

TEKNIK OCH TEKNOLOGIER  -- Maskinteknik -- Strömningsmekanik och akustik (hsv//swe)

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY  -- Mechanical Engineering -- Fluid Mechanics and Acoustics (hsv//eng)

Keyword

fiber

fluid flow

fiber suspension

fiber flexibility

simulation

Engineering physics

Teknisk fysik

Chemical engineering

Kemiteknik

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)