Article
Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Applications
Jiayuan Liu, Kevin J. Hanley
Summary: In this study, a series of coupled CFD-DEM simulations were conducted to investigate the influence of particle shape on the pressure distribution, void fraction, and permeability in slurry filtration column tests. The results showed that particles with larger aspect ratios can effectively seal infiltration channels and transfer slurry pressure to effective pressure, thereby contributing to the stability of the tunnel face.
COMPUTERS AND GEOTECHNICS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Geological
Nan Zhang, Ahmadreza Hedayat, Shaoyang Han, Runlin Yang, Hector Gelber Bolatios Sosa, Juan Jose Gonzalez Cardenas, Guido Edgard Salas Alvarez
Summary: The study utilized X-ray computed tomography (μCT) and discrete element modeling (DEM) to investigate the isotropic compression behavior of a granular assembly in relation to particle morphological properties. It was found that particle concavity and interparticle friction had significant influences on the compression behavior of granular assemblies. Microscopic analysis provided insights into the characteristics of granular assembly under isotropic compression.
JOURNAL OF ROCK MECHANICS AND GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Nicolin Govender
Summary: This paper utilizes the advances in GPU computing via the Blaze-DEM code to study the effect of particle shape on heat transfer in a rotating drum. The results show that shape irregularity has the greatest impact on heat conduction, with non-symmetric shapes exhibiting better heat transfer performance. Furthermore, there is a linear trend of system temperature with both RPM and fill level.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Qian Zhou, Wen-Jie Xu, Yong-Zhi Chen
Summary: The Discrete Element Method (DEM) is commonly used for modeling granular materials, but its computational efficiency is a major concern. To address this issue, a multi-GPU framework with OpenMP has been developed, significantly improving computational efficiency and reducing memory usage.
Article
Mathematics, Interdisciplinary Applications
Peter Adesina, Catherine O'Sullivan, Teng Wang
Summary: This study examines the impact of particle convexity, sphericity, and aspect ratio on the behavior of sheared granular materials. Two-dimensional discrete element method simulations were used to investigate the macroscopic characteristics, such as strength and dilatancy, of isotropic, dense, and loose assemblies with different particle shapes. The results show that shear strength decreases with increasing particle convexity and sphericity, but increases with higher aspect ratio. The coordination number, fabric anisotropy, particle moment, friction mobilization at contacts, and particle rotation are identified as important factors underlying the macroscopic behavior.
COMPUTATIONAL PARTICLE MECHANICS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Tianyu Wang, Qinghua Gao, Aiming Deng, Tianqi Tang, Yurong He
Summary: The instability of a spouted bed containing non-spherical particles was investigated both numerically and experimentally. Conditions that created an S-shaped gas channel in the center of the bed proved the instability of non-spherical particles. The study also revealed that the granular temperature distribution of the particles and bubbles was associated with the gas channel region.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Hongyuan Sun, Huaqing Ma, Yongzhi Zhao
Summary: This study investigates the conveying process of non-spherical particles in a horizontal screw conveyor using the discrete element method (DEM). The results show that particle shape greatly influences particle flow behaviors and conveyor wear. Additionally, the study reveals that particle sphericity significantly affects conveying performance and power consumption of the screw conveyor.
Review
Engineering, Chemical
Huaqing Ma, Lianyong Zhou, Zihan Liu, Mengyao Chen, Xiuhao Xia, Yongzhi Zhao
Summary: This paper reviews the development of CFD-DEM investigations for non-spherical particles in the past six years. It covers theoretical models, coupling methods, and applications. The research provides a deeper understanding of the complex flow behaviors between non-spherical particles and fluids, and improves the performance of related industrial processes.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Xi Gao, Jia Yu, Ricardo J. F. Portal, Jean-Francois Dietiker, Mehrdad Shahnam, William A. Rogers
Summary: This article presents the development and validation of the Superquadric Discrete Element Method (SuperDEM) for non-spherical particle simulation. The method includes particle-particle and particle-arbitrary wall contact algorithms for simulation in complex geometry. Validation results demonstrate great potential for industrial-scale systems simulation.
Article
Engineering, Geological
Tongming Qu, Min Wang, Yuntian Feng
Summary: This study compares DEM simulations with experimental granular materials in terms of deviatoric stress, volumetric behavior, critical state behavior, stress-dilatancy relationship, and the evolution of principal stress ratio against axial strain. The results show that DEM with spherical or clumped particles can qualitatively describe some macroscopic features of granular materials, but there are qualitative deviations in terms of stress-dilatancy behavior and principal stress ratio, which are critical for constitutive modeling.
JOURNAL OF ROCK MECHANICS AND GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Thermodynamics
Q. Shu, L. Pan, R. Kneer, M. Rietz, W. Rohlfs
Summary: In this study, three methods were coupled to simulate the thermal conductivity of suspensions of oblate spheroid particles under shear flow conditions. The results showed that the effective thermal conductivity of the suspension saturates when the thermal conductivity of the particles exceeds 20-30 W/(mK) in stagnant state. Additionally, the rotating state of the oblate particles also affects the effective thermal conductivity, with log-rolling around the minor axis resulting in a higher conductivity compared to tumbling or the rotation of a spherical particle of equivalent volume fraction.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HEAT AND MASS TRANSFER
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Kostas Giannis, Arno Kwade, Jan Henrik Finke, Carsten Schilde
Summary: The aim of this study was to investigate the deformation behavior of non-spherical particles during high-load compaction using the multi-contact discrete element method (MC-DEM). The bonded multi-sphere method (BMS), which incorporates intragranular bonds between particles, and the conventional multi-sphere (CMS), where overlaps between particles are allowed to form a rigid body, were used. The results showed that the BMS method was able to handle large elastic deformations and achieved good agreement with experimental data, while the CMS approach had limitations in capturing the compression behavior of a single rubber sphere.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Ting Qiao, Lu Liu, Shunying Ji
Summary: This study develops a coupling method based on superquadric elements to describe the interaction between non-spherical solid particles and fluids. The discrete element method (DEM) and smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) are used to simulate granular materials and fluids, respectively. The coupling force is calculated using a repulsive force model, and a contact detection method is established to capture the shape of the superquadric element and calculate the distance between the fluid particle and the surface of the superquadric element. Simulation cases verify the validity of the proposed coupling method, which accurately represents the water entry process of spherical solid particles and can simulate fluid-particle systems with solid particles of multiple shapes.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Miguel Angel Romero-Valle, Christoph Goniva, Hermann Nirschl
Summary: The rapid advancement of functional material systems with non-spherical particles has created a demand for technical tools to support process design and understanding of such systems. A novel approach for calculating drag forces and torques for non-spherical particles in liquid media has been proposed in this study.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Sorathan Tanprasert, Chanida Kampeewichean, Shuichi Shiratori, Ratchanon Piemjaiswang, Benjapon Chalermsinsuwan
Summary: In this study, the transport of non-spherical drug particles in the human airway was analyzed using Weibel's airway model. The results showed that the size, shape, and density of drug particles affected the drug deposition, and the airway geometry also played a role in the deposition. These findings provide important recommendations for the design of drug delivery devices and the treatment of patients receiving pharmaceutical aerosols.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Stavros Michailos, David Parker, Colin Webb
WASTE AND BIOMASS VALORIZATION
(2019)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Apilak Salakkam, Colin Webb
BIOCHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2018)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
S. Bages-Estopa, D. A. White, J. B. Winterburn, C. Webb, P. J. Martin
BIOCHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2018)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Musaalbakri Abdul Manan, Colin Webb
BIOTECHNOLOGY & BIOTECHNOLOGICAL EQUIPMENT
(2018)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Salome M. S. Shokri-Kuehni, Mina Bergstad, Muhammad Sahimi, Colin Webb, Nima Shokri
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2018)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Musaalbakri Abdul Manan, Colin Webb
BIOTECHNOLOGY & BIOTECHNOLOGICAL EQUIPMENT
(2018)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Carolina Botella, Jesus Ernesto Hernandez, Colin Webb
FOOD AND BIOPRODUCTS PROCESSING
(2019)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Jose Pablo Lopez-Gomez, Cristina Perez-Rivero, Colin Webb
JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGICAL METHODS
(2019)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Aikaterini Rigaki, Colin Webb, Constantinos Theodoropoulos
BIOCHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2020)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Eleni E. Karamerou, Colin Webb
BIOCHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2019)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Chenhao Sun, Cristina Perez-Rivero, Colin Webb, Constantinos Theodoropoulos
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Anton A. Kiss, Colin Webb
Summary: The Design Project in chemical engineering is a significant piece of work for undergraduate students, allowing them to showcase their skills, knowledge, and creativity. The Chemical Engineering Design Project at the University of Manchester has received international recognition and awards, and this article aims to share best education practices for the benefit of other programs.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Musaalbakri Abdul Manan, Colin Webb
BIORESOURCES AND BIOPROCESSING
(2020)
Article
Microbiology
Musaalbakri Abdul Manan, Colin Webb
MALAYSIAN JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY
(2018)
Review
Microbiology
Musaalbakri Abdul Manan, Colin Webb
MALAYSIAN JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY
(2018)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Ri Zhang, Shasha Zhang, Mengyan Ding
Summary: A thin liquid film method is proposed to evaluate sand erosion in annular flow. This method considers the direct interaction between the liquid film and gas core, as well as the entrainment and deposition of droplets. The erosion rate is calculated by considering the effects of liquid entrainment and particle velocity decay. The method is fully verified by comparing with experimental data.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yu Suo, Xianheng Su, Wenyuan He, Xiaofei Fu, Zhejun Pan
Summary: This research investigates the mechanical properties of sandstone-shale composite through orthogonal experimental method and discrete element simulation. The results show that different lithologies and thickness ratios can affect the strength and fracture mode of the composite rock samples.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Maurizio Troiano, Andrea El Hassanin, Roberto Solimene, Alessia Teresa Silvestri, Fabrizio Scala, Antonino Squillace, Piero Salatino
Summary: This study investigates the potential of Fluidized Bed Finishing (FBF) for square flat AlSi10Mg specimens manufactured via Laser-Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF) additive manufacturing technology. The results show that good finishing can be achieved using rotation-assisted tests, with a maximum reduction of surface roughness by 67%. Steel particles are found to be the most effective bed material.
Review
Engineering, Chemical
Ningbo Song, Wanzhong Yin, Jin Yao
Summary: Seawater's dissolved salts and minerals have various effects on the flotation process, including influencing the characteristics and behavior of flotation factors, as well as affecting the surface of sulfide minerals. In most cases, seawater has adverse effects on the flotation of sulfide minerals, but these effects can be mitigated by adjusting the reagents.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Kaiqiao Wu, Shuxian Jiang, Victor Francia, Marc-Olivier Coppens
Summary: In rectangular and cylindrical annular fluidized beds, pulsating gas flow can create regular bubble patterns, overcoming challenges seen in conventional units. This study provides new opportunities for modularization of fluidized bed operations.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Shuo Li, Huili Zhang, Jan Baeyens, Miao Yang, Zehao Li, Yimin Deng
Summary: The paper assesses the behavior of cohesive Geldart C-type particles when fluidized by air with the aid of vibration. It determines that mechanical vibration is a simple and effective method to improve the fluidity of cohesive particles during fluidization.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Zhenfei Feng, Qingyuan Zhang, Shanpan Liang, Zhenzhou Li, Fangwen Guo, Jinxin Zhang, Ding Yuan
Summary: A new micro/mini-channel heat sink (MCHS) with a combined structure of longitudinal and transverse vortex generators is designed, using Al2O3 nanofluid as the working medium. The study explores the effects of transverse vortex generator shape and longitudinal vortex generator angle on the hydraulic and thermal characteristics, comprehensive performance, entropy generation, and exergy efficiency. The results show that the triangular transverse vortex generator improves the comprehensive performance and exergy efficiency. Combined with the longitudinal vortex generator, the MCHS achieves the best comprehensive performance, entropy generation, and exergy efficiency when the Reynolds number is 742.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Kostas Giannis, Christoph Thon, Guoqing Yang, Arno Kwade, Carsten Schilde
Summary: This study presents a 3D convolutional neural network (3D-CNN) methodology for generating realistic 3D models of particles. The method trains on 2D projections of particle images to predict their 3D shapes, and evaluates the accuracy of the predictions using Fourier shape descriptors (FSDs). This methodology has wide applications in particle shape analysis.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Zheng-qing Zhou, Lu-jia Chai, Yu-long Zhang, Ya-bin Wang, Ze-chen Du, Tian-yi Wang, Yu-zhe Liu
Summary: The dynamic oxidation and shell-breaking processes of aluminum nanoparticles (ANPs) during heating were studied using in situ transmission electron microscopy. The results revealed that the changes in shell thickness can be divided into three stages, and the active aluminum content of ANP decreased before shell-breaking.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Fulei Chen, Huaqing Ma, Zihan Liu, Lianyong Zhou, Yongzhi Zhao
Summary: A particle breakage model based on the particle replacement scheme, using the polyhedral model to describe particles, is proposed in this work to accurately describe the breakage of a large number of particles. Additionally, a fast-cutting algorithm is proposed to reproduce the size distribution of progeny particles determined by the breakage model. The validation and simulation results show satisfactory accuracy, efficiency, and stability of the algorithm.
Review
Engineering, Chemical
Matteo Errigo, Christopher Windows-Yule, Massimiliano Materazzi, Dominik Werner, Paola Lettieri
Summary: Gas-solid fluidized-bed systems have advantages in terms of chemical reaction efficiency and temperature control, making them widely used in industrial applications. However, the design, scale-up, and optimization of these complex units are limited by the lack of deep physical understanding. Non-invasive and non-intrusive diagnostic techniques provide a way for researchers to study these systems without affecting the flow field or directly contacting the medium under study.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Saeed Fateh, Mohammad Behshad Shafii, Mohammad Najafi, Cyrus Aghanajafi
Summary: Applying a magnetic field to ferrofluids alters their flow characteristics and enhances heat transfer. Through visualization and quantitative investigation, it is found that the magnetic field influences the flow patterns and velocity profiles, improving fluid mixing and vorticity magnitude.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Lei Gao, Bingbing Wei, Xiaochuan Hu, Zaifeng Yao, Yiwen Fang, Xuejian Gao
Summary: In this study, a numerical model of sand triaxial test was established using discrete element software PFC3D, and an indoor triaxial test was conducted to calibrate the numerical model. The influence of microscopic parameters on the macroscopic mechanical response of sand was analyzed. The results showed that the friction coefficient had the greatest impact on the peak strength and residual strength of the sand's stress-strain curve, and it was positively correlated. The normal tangential stiffness ratio was negatively correlated, while the porosity and boundary flexibility stiffness had minimal influence on it.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Xuan Liu, Jie Gong, Kai Jiang, Xiaojuan Lai, Yu Tian, Kang Zhang
Summary: This study aimed to improve the performance of lignite coal water slurries (CWSs) by synthesizing a series of three-arm amphiphilic block copolymers. By controlling the relative molecular weight, hydrophilic/hydrophobic ratio, and ionic group content, the apparent viscosity of CWSs was significantly reduced and the static stability was improved. Thermogravimetric testing and XPS analysis were conducted to reveal the mechanism behind the improved performance.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Lanka Dinushke Weerasiri, Daniel Fabijanic, Subrat Das
Summary: Fluidization at low pressure offers significant benefits for the fine chemical industry. This study investigates the behavior of bubbles and bed expansion under low pressure conditions. It is found that lower pressure leads to larger bubbles, increased bubble quantity, and higher aspect ratio. The predictability is affected by the inhomogeneous fluidization, but low pressure fluidization can generate similar bubble sizes with lower fluidizing mass compared to atmospheric pressure.