Direct Numerical Simulation of Curly Fibers in Turbulent Channel Flow

Wall deposition of rigid-link fibrous aerosols in a turbulent channel flow is studied. The instantaneous turbulent velocity vector field is generated by the direct numerical simulation of the Navier-Stokes equation with the aid of a pseudospectral code. It is assumed that the fiber is composed of five rigidly attached ellipsoidal links. The dynamic behavior of these elongated and irregular shaped particles is markedly different from the spherical ones. The hydrodynamic forces and torques acting on the fiber are evaluated and the equations governing the translational and rotational motions of the fiber are analyzed. Euler's four parameters are used, and motions of fibrous particles in the turbulent channel flow field are studied. Ensembles of 8000 fiber trajectories are generated and are used for evaluating various statistics. Root mean-square fiber velocities and fiber concentrations at different distances from the wall are evaluated and discussed. Empirical models for the deposition rate of curly fibers are also developed. The model predictions are compared with the simulation data and good agreement is observed.