Orientation tensors in simple flows of dilute suspensions of non-Brownian rigid ellipsoids,comparison of analytical and approximate solutions

General analytical solutions are obtained for the planar orientation structure of rigid ellipsoid of revolutions subjected to an arbitrary homogeneous flow in a Newtonian fluid. Both finite and infinite aspect ratio particles are considered. The orientation structure is described in terms of two-dimensional, time-dependent tensors that are commonly employed in constitutive equations for anisotropic fluids such as fiber suspensions. The effect of particle aspect ratio on the evolution of orientation structure is studied in simple shear and planar elongational flows. With the availability of analytical solutions, accuracies of quadratic closure approximations used for nonhomogeneous flows are analyzed, avoiding numerical integration of orientation distribution function. In general, fourth-order orientation evolution equations with sixth-order quadratic closure approximations yield more accurate representations compared to the commonly used second-order evolution equations with fourth-order quadratic closure approximations. However, quadratic closure approximations of any order are found to give correct maximum orientation angle (i.e., preferred direction) results for all particle aspect ratios and flow cases.     

Variation of fiber orientation in turbulent flow inside a planar contraction with different shapes

In this study, we have investigated the influence of shape of planar contractions on the orientation distribution of stiff fibers suspended in turbulent flow. To do this, we have employed a model for the orientational diffusion coefficient based on the data obtained by high-speed imaging of suspension flow at the centerline of a contraction with flat walls. This orientational diffusion coefficient depends only on the contraction ratio and turbulence intensity. Our measurements show that the turbulence intensity decays exponentially independent of the contraction angle. This implies that the turbulence variation in the contraction is independent of the shape, consistent with the results by the rapid distortion theory and the experimental results of axisymmetric contractions. In order to determine the orientation anisotropy, we have solved a Fokker–Planck type equation governing the orientation distribution of fibers in turbulent flow. Although the turbulence variation and the orientational diffusion are independent of the contraction shape, the results show that the variation of the orientation anisotropy is dependent on shape. This can be explained by the variation of the rotational Péclet number, Pe_r, inside the contractions. This quantity is a measure of the importance of the mean rate of the strain relative to the orientational diffusion. We have shown that when Pe_r < 10 turbulence can significantly influence the evolution of the orientation anisotropy. Since in contractions with identical inlet conditions the streamwise position where Pe_r = 10 depends on the shape, the orientation anisotropy is dependent on the variation of rate of strain in a given contraction. We demonstrate the shape effect by considering contraction with flat walls as well as three contractions with different mean rate of strain variation.     

Investigation of the abrupt contraction flow of fiber suspensions in polymeric fluids

Numerical simulations of the flow of rigid fibres through a 4:1 planar contraction, and the predicted flow pattern and fiber orientation are presented. Entirely new is the examination of the nature of the suspending matrix which may consist of either a Newtonian fluid or a polymer melt. In the case of a polymer matrix three rheological models, the Phan-Thien–Tanner, FENE-CR, and Carreau models have been used to investigate the effects of shear-thinning and elasticity on the flow and the orientation of the fibers. The effects of inertia are neglected, and the governing equations for the flow field, polymer stress, and fiber orientation are coupled and simultaneously solved. A parametric study is used to explore the effects of different dimensionless parameters on the velocity field, the fiber orientation, the pressure drop, as well as the vortex size measured by the dimensionless reattachment length. We particularly focus on the role of the fibers aspect ratio, volume fraction, and interaction coefficient which measures the intensity of fiber interaction in the suspension. Furthermore, we evaluate and compare the results of four different closure approximations: the quadratic, linear, hybrid A and T, and natural closures.     

EFFECTS OF TENSOR CLOSURE MODELS AND 3-D ORIENTATION ON THE STABILITY OF FIBER SUSPENSIONS IN A CHANNEL FLOW

IntroductionFlowoffibresuspensionshasbeenveryfamiliarinmanyindustrialfields.Fibreadditivesplayanimportantroleindragreductioninmanytypesofflow[1- 3].Inthesuspensions,somebehavioroftheflowmaybealteredbythefibres.Oneoftheimportantexamplesisthehydrodynamicsta…     

On the fiber orientation in steady recirculating flows involving short fibers suspensions

In this work we present a new numerical strategy to treat the 3D Fokker–Planck equation in steady recirculating flows. This strategy combines some ideas of the method of particles, with a more original treatment of the periodicity condition, which characterizes the steady solution of the FP equation in steady recirculating flows, as usually encountered in some rheometric devices. Using this numerical technique the fiber orientation distribution can be computed accurately in any steady recirculating flow. The simulation results can be used to identify some rheological parameters of the suspension, using an inverse technique, as well as to analyze the validity of some simplified models widely used, which require a closure relation. Thus, in this paper several closure relations of the fourth-order orientation tensor will be discussed in the context of a numerical example involving a steady recirculating flow.     

Fiber suspension flow in a tapered channel: The effect of flow/fiber coupling

A numerical model for predicting the flow and orientation state of semi-dilute, rigid fiber suspensions in a tapered channel is presented. The effect of the two-way flow/fiber coupling is investigated for low Reynolds number flow using the constitutive model of Shaqfeh and Fredrickson. An orientation distribution function is used to describe the local orientation state of the suspension and evolves according to a Fokker–Plank type equation. The planar orientation distribution function is determined along streamlines of the flow and is coupled with the fluid momentum equations through a fourth-order orientation tensor. The coupling term accounts for the two-way interaction and momentum exchange between the fluid and fiber phases. The fibers are free to interact through long range hydrodynamic fiber–fiber interactions which are modeled using a rotary diffusion coefficient, an approach outlined by Folgar and Tucker. Numerical predictions are made for two different orientation states at the inlet to the contraction, namely a fully random and a partially aligned fiber orientation state. Results from these numerical predictions show that the streamlines of the flow are altered and that velocity profiles change from Jeffery–Hamel, to something resembling a plug flow when the fiber phase is considered in the fluid momentum equations. This phenomenon was found when the suspension enters the channel in either a pre-aligned, or in a fully random orientation state. When the suspension enters the channel in an aligned orientation state, fiber orientation is shown to be only marginally changed when the two-way coupling is included. However, significant differences between coupled and uncoupled predictions of fiber orientation were found when the suspension enters the channel in a random orientation state. In this case, the suspension was shown to align much more quickly when the mutual coupling was accounted for and profiles of the orientation anisotropy were considerably different both qualitatively and quantitatively.     

Numerical simulation of flow kinematics and fiber orientation for multi-disperse suspension

The development of flow kinematics and fiber orientation distribution from the parabolic velocity profile and isotropic orientation at the channel inlet was computed in multi-disperse suspension flow through a parallel plate channel and their predictions were compared with those of mono- and bi-disperse suspensions. A statistical scheme (orientations of a large number of fibers are evaluated from the solution of the Jeffery equation along the streamlines) was confirmed to be very useful and feasible method to analyze accurately the orientation distribution of fibers in multi-disperse fiber suspension flow as well as mono- and bi-dispersions, instead of direct solutions of the orientation distribution function of fibers or the evolution equation of the orientation tensor which involves a closure equation. It was found that the flow kinematics and the fiber orientation depend completely on both the fiber aspect-ratio and the fiber parameter for multi-disperse suspension when the fiber–fiber and fiber-wall interactions are neglected. Furthermore, the addition of large aspect-ratio fibers as well as an increase in the fiber parameter related to the large aspect-ratio fibers could suppress the complex velocity field and stress distributions which are observed in suspensions containing small aspect-ratio fibers. From a practical point of view, therefore, the mechanical and physical properties of fiber composites should be improved with an increase in the volume fraction of large aspect-ratio fibers.     

Anisotropic yield and plastic flow of polycrystalline solids

Deformation induced anisotropy in polycrystalline solids results mainly from crystallographic slip due to dislocation motion at the grain level and texture development due to grain rotation at the aggregate level. To describe these characteristics, the so-called scale invariance approach is adopted which allows information and constitutive relations pertaining to single slip to be cast in a form of macroscopic constitutive equations. An orientation distribution function (ODF) and a texture tensor are introduced into the earlier version (based on the hypotheses of single slip at the grain level and isotropic distribution of the crystallites at the aggregate level) of the scale invariance framework to describe texture effects in plastically deformed polycrystals. The texture tensor is calculated either directly through the solution of ODF, or indirectly through an appropriate set of evolution equations for the orientation tensors and the use of a closure approximation. Theoretical predictions for anisotropic yield and plastic flow behavior compare well with available experimental data.     

Flow division at a channel crossing with subcritical or supercritical flow

The passage of an extreme storm over an urban area can lead to the flooding of the streets if the rainfall intensity exceeds the design value and/or the drainage system is not functional. The study of flow distribution in street networks thus is important for the design of flood protection measures. The flow distribution is affected by the junction flow characteristics, inflow discharges and downstream water depths. To reduce the degree of empiricism, a 3D Reynolds‐averaged Navier–Stokes equations model has been implemented in this study to investigate the flow phenomena in a cross junction. The Spalart–Allmaras model is used for turbulence closure. The numerical model utilizes the split‐operator approach, in which the advection, diffusion and pressure propagations are solved separately. The numerical model predicts accurately the flow distribution in a channel crossing under different subcritical flow conditions, for which experimental data are available. Recirculation zones exist at both the downstream channels and the associated contraction coefficient varies linearly with the ratio of the discharges at the two inlets. Secondary currents are apparent for the flow with strong asymmetric outlet conditions. Under supercritical inflow conditions, the model reproduces the hydraulic jump and hydraulic drop phenomena and predicts accurately the relationship between the input power ratio and the outflow discharge ratio of the street crossing. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Molecular orientation in channel flows of main-chain thermotropic liquid crystalline polymers

 In situ wide angle X-ray scattering is employed for quantitative measurements of flow-induced molecular orientation in channel flows of thermotropic hydroxypropyl-cellulose (HPC). An extrusion die, constructed to allow X-ray access, generates slit flow, slit flow with superimposed contractions and expansions in cross-section, and slit flow past an obstruction. In slit flow, weak molecular orientation develops slowly with downstream position. Superimposed extension associated with contraction flows leads to a strong enhancement in orientation, which persists with distance further downstream of the contraction. Conversely, transverse extension present in expansion flows generates a bimodal orientation state and substantial reductions in average molecular orientation. These results are compared to earlier measurements on a commercial fully aromatic thermotrope. HPC is found to respond more strongly to superimposed extension, and more weakly to the prevailing inhomogeneous shear flow than the commercial material. Received: 22 October 1999/Accepted: 13 January 2000     

心电激励下的人体左心室力学响应分析

人体心脏通过电兴奋引起的心肌收缩实现泵血功能 ,而心肌的力学特性高度依赖于肌纤维结构。本文根据肌纤维旋向和复合材料理论以及电生理心脏模型建立了左心室的有限元机械模型 ,仿真研究了左心室在心电兴奋力作用下的力学响应。结果表明左心室的收缩过程是十分复杂的 ,包括轴向和径向的收缩及绕长轴的不同程度的旋转扭曲。从总体趋势上看 ,心尖处变形最为严重。此外 ,仿真结果还表明 ,心壁应力分布不均匀 ,从内壁到外壁有所减少 ;在心尖和心底部应力较大 ,其中内壁心尖处应力最大。这些结果说明了心脏的力学特性与心肌纤维结构、左心室的几何形状以及电兴奋刺激密切相关。作者将本文的仿真结果与医学图像及其它模型进行了对比分析 ,结果表明了该模型用于分析心肌力学功能特性的可行性     

Well-posedness of the problem of fiber suspension flows

The well-posedness of the equations governing the flow of fiber suspensions is studied. The fluid is assumed to be Newtonian and incompressible, and the presence of fibers is accounted for through the use of second- and fourth-order orientation tensors, which model the effects of the orientation of fibers in an averaged sense. The fourth-order orientation tensor is expressed in terms of the second-order tensor through various closure relations. It is shown that the linear closure relation leads to anomalous behavior, in that the rest state of the fluid is unstable, in the sense of Liapounov, for certain ranges of the fiber particle number. No such anomalies arise in the case of quadratic and hybrid closure relations. For the quadratic closure relation, it is shown that a unique solution exists locally in time for small data.     

Velocity measurement of start-up flow of polymeric solutions in a planar contraction channel

The start-up flow of polymeric solutions in an abrupt contraction channel with a rectangular cross-section was experimentally studied. Aqueous solutions with 0.2 wt% and 1.0 wt% of polyacrylamide were used as test fluids. Temporal changes in velocity were measured with a laser Doppler velocimeter. The velocity overshot just after the onset of the flow. The changes in velocity caused by the rearrangement of the velocity distribution were observed. A three-dimensional flow structure and the development of a vortex region were found near the entrance to the contraction. A decrease in the axial velocity just upstream from the contraction was observed. The velocity profile is related to the three-dimensional nature of the flow and the elongational rheological properties of the test fluid. The experimental results indicate that three-dimensional analysis of viscoelastic flows is required especially for the flow in rectangular channels. Received: 6 July 1998 Accepted: 1 December 1998     

Optical probe visualization of air–water flow structure through a sudden area contraction

 Single-fiber optical probes were used to investigate the time-averaged structure of gas–liquid horizontal flow through a sharp-edged sudden area contraction. The probes allowed to measure the local void fraction distribution over several cross sections of a pipe having an inner diameter of 0.08 m upstream and 0.06 m downstream of the sudden contraction. The water mass flow rate was 3 kg/s, while the gas fraction of the volume flow ranged from 0.2 to 0.8. The local void fraction was plotted as a function of its two spatial coordinates, so that a representation of the time-averaged gas distribution over the cross section could be obtained. The contraction was shown to considerably alter the distribution of the phases, so that the correlations for straight pipes appear no longer suitable. Received: 27 August 2001 / Accepted: 19 November 2001     

混合层中柱状粒子取向分布函数的研究

数值模拟了平面流固混合层中柱状粒子在平面取向的分布函数，提出了描述流场中某点直粒子取向占优程度的参数Dψ的分析，说明在混合层中心区域粒子的取向排列是有序的，在混合层相邻两个大涡之间的区域，是粒子最可几角占优程度最高的地方，而且最可几取向就是沿流场的拉伸方向，说明流场的拉伸作用及方向对粒子的取向排列具有重要影响。与其它模型相比，粒子取向的分布函数模型能定量反映流场大涡对粒子取向控制的强弱程度。     

Comparative numerical study of two concentrated fiber suspension models

We consider two rheological models for concentrated fiber suspensions. In both models the equations for orientation and flow are fully coupled, i.e., the orientation influences the flow via a constitutive relation for the viscosity and the orientation of the fibers is determined by the flow field. The orientation state of the fibers is characterized by the Advani–Tucker orientation tensor. We are investigating suspensions of fibers in which the kinetic energies of the fibers are large compared to the thermal energies, i.e., the influence of Brownian motion may be neglected. The first model is the Folgar–Tucker model with backcoupling to the flow (FT model). The second model is an extension of Folgar–Tucker, which models phenomenologically the topological exclusion interaction in dense suspensions (FTMS model). As test cases for the simulation are considered channel flow, 8:1 contraction flow and flow around a cylinder.     

90°锥头弹丸不同速度下垂直入水冲击引起的空泡特性

用高速摄像拍摄了90°锥头弹丸低速入水的空泡形态演变过程,全面讨论了不同入水冲击速度下空泡的闭合方式及其演变过程,分析了空泡闭合时间、闭合点水深和弹头空泡长度随入水速度的变化规律以及不同水深位置空泡直径的变化规律;研究了水幕闭合和近液面空泡收缩上升所形成的射流现象及其相互耦合作用过程,探讨了空泡深闭合后其壁面波动规律。结果表明:随着入水速度的增加,空泡分别发生准静态闭合、浅闭合、深闭合和表面闭合,每种闭合方式对应的一个速度区间;弹头产生空泡的临界入水速度为0.657 m/s;不同水深位置的空泡直径呈现非线性变化;随着水深的增加空泡扩张初速增大,空泡最大直径减小,扩张段缩短,收缩段延长;同一时刻水深越大空泡扩张收缩的加速度也越高;水幕闭合后会产生向上和向下两股射流,向下射流速度较大时会对弹丸运动产生影响;近液面空泡收缩上升时会产生强度正比于空泡体积大小和闭合点水深的射流,并与上两股射流相互耦合形成一股更强的向上射流;空泡深闭合后长度缩短和产生的向下射流使弹丸受力发生改变,弹丸速度因受力产生的变化带动了流体质点速度的波动,进而导致空泡壁面发生波动,壁面波动遵循空泡截面独立扩张原理。     

NMR flow imaging of Newtonian liquids and a concentrated suspension through an axisymmetric sudden contraction

Using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) flow imaging to examine fluid motions at constant velocities or flows that change relatively slowly has been well-documented in the literature. Application of this technique to accelerative flows, on the other hand, has been limited. This study reports the use of an NMR flow imaging method, for which acceleration is not explicitly compensated in the NMR pulse sequence, to measure axial and radial fluid motions during flow through an axisymmetric sudden contraction. In this flow geometry, both velocity and acceleration are spatially dependent. The flow contraction ratio was 2:1. The method was first applied to examine Newtonian liquids at low and high Reynolds numbers under laminar flow conditions. The measured axial and radial velocity profiles, without accounting for acceleration effects in the data analysis, across the contraction are in excellent qualitative agreement with previous experimental data and theoretical calculations reported in the literature. Quantitative comparison of the axial and radial velocities with numerical results indicates that the maximum error from acceleration effects is about 10%. The method has also been used to examine the flow of a concentrated suspension (50% by volume of solid particles) through the contraction. The flow kinematics of the suspension at creeping flow conditions appear to mimic those of the Newtonian fluid with some slight differences. NMR images taken immediately following the cessation of flow suggest a slight degree of particle migration toward the center of the pipe downstream of the contraction.     

Application of the PITM Method Using Inlet Synthetic Turbulence Generation for the Simulation of the Turbulent Flow in a Small Axisymmetric Contraction

We investigate the turbulence modeling of second moment closure used both in RANS and PITM methodologies from a fundamental point of view and its capacity to predict the flow in a low turbulence wind tunnel of small axisymmetric contraction designed by Uberoi and Wallis. This flow presents a complex phenomenon in physics of fluid turbulence. The anisotropy ratio of the turbulent stresses τ ₁₁/τ ₂₂ initially close to 1.4 returns to unity through the contraction, but surprisingly, this ratio gradually increases to its pre-contraction value in the uniform section downstream the contraction. This point constitutes the interesting paradox of the Uberoi and Wallis experiment. We perform numerical simulations of the turbulent flow in this wind tunnel using both a Reynolds stress model developed in RANS modeling and a subfilter scale stress model derived from the partially integrated transport modeling method. With the aim of reproducing the experimental grid turbulence resulting from the effects of the square-mesh biplane grid on the uniform wind tunnel stream, we develop a new analytical spectral method of generation of pseudo-random velocity fields in a cubic box. These velocity fields are then introduced in the channel using a matching numerical technique. Both RANS and PITM simulations are performed on several meshes to study the effects of the contraction on the mean velocity and turbulence. As a result, it is found that the RANS computation using the Reynolds stress model fails to reproduce the increase of anisotropy in the centerline of the channel after passing the contraction. In the contrary, the PITM simulation predicts fairly well this turbulent flow according to the experimental data, and especially, the “return to anisotropy” in the straight section of the channel downstream the contraction. This work shows that the PITM method used in conjunction with an analytical synthetic turbulence generation as inflow is well suited for simulating this flow, while allowing a drastic reduction of the computational resources.