Donald Bergstrom

This paper investigates the behavior of finite-size particles in a turbulent channel flow using a custom direct numerical simulation solver within the FOAM-Extend framework. The solver integrates the cut-cell immersed boundary module with a Lagrangian particle-tracking subroutine capable of simulating the motion of both spherical and non-spherical particles. The study investigates the complex interactions between particles and turbulent structures, offering insights into how particle shape and orientation affect their behavior within the flow field. Additionally, it examines the collision dynamics of two spherical particles in a turbulent channel. The simulations reveal that particle shape significantly influences particle trajectories, rotation, and their interactions with turbulent structures. The Q-criterion visualization showed the creation of hairpin and vortex ring structures shed by the particles. Finally, the close proximity and collision of particles was shown to significantly modify the flow pattern and particle dynamics.