A numerical framework for the direct simulation of solid-fluid systems

Our understanding of solid-fluid dynamics has been severely limited by the nonexistence of a high-fidelity modeling capability for these multiphase systems. Continuum modeling approaches overlook the microscale solid-fluid interactions from which macroscopic system properties emerge, while experimental inquiries have been plagued by high costs and limited resolution. One promising numerical alternative is to simulate solid-fluid systems at the grain-scale, fully resolving the interaction of individual solid particles with other solid particles and the surrounding fluid. Until recently, the direct simulation of these systems has proven computationally intractable. In this thesis an accurate, efficient, and robust modeling capability for the direct simulation of solid-fluid systems is formulated and implemented. The coupled equations of motion governing both the fluid phase and the individual particles comprising the solid phase are solved using a highly efficient numerical scheme based on the discrete-element (DEM) and the lattice-Boltzmann (LB) methods. Particle forcing mechanisms represented in the model to at least the first order include dynamic fluid-induced forces, buoyancy forces, and intergranular forces from particle collisions, static formation stresses, and intergranular bonding. Coupling is realized with an immersed moving boundary scheme that has been thoroughly validated.

Department dc:contributor.department

Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering.

Grantor dc:publisher

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Year dc:date.issued

2001

Author dc:creator

• Cook, Benjamin Koger, 1965-

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• John R. Williams.

• Civil and Environmental Engineering.

Statement dc:rights

• M.I.T. theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. See provided URL for inquiries about permission.

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/7582

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/8231

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dspace.mit.edu:1721.1/8231