Numerical simulation of particle migration in asymmetric bifurcation channel

In this work we provide numerical validation of the particle migration during flow of concentrated suspension in asymmetric T-junction bifurcation channel observed in a recent experiment [1]. The mathematical models developed to explain particle migration phenomenon basically fall into two categories, namely, suspension balance model and diffusive flux model. These models have been successfully applied to explain migration behavior in several two-dimensional flows. However, many processes often involve flow in complex 3D geometries. In this work we have carried out numerical simulation of concentrated suspension flow in 3D bifurcation geometry using the diffusive flux model. The simulation method was validated with available experimental and theoretical results for channel flow. After validation of the method we have applied the simulation technique to study the flow of concentrated suspensions through an asymmetric T-junction bifurcation composed of rectangular channels. It is observed that in the span-wise direction inhomogeneous concentration distribution that develops upstream persists throughout the inlet and downstream channels. Due to the migration of particles near the bifurcation section there is almost equal partitioning of flow in the two downstream branches. The detailed comparison of numerical simulation results is made with the experimental data.