Numerical Simulation and Analysis of Particle Mixing and Conduction in Wavy Drums

ABSTRACT

A thermal discrete element method (DEM) is used to simulate particle mixing and heat conduction inside wavy drums to explore the effects of wavy walls. Sinusoidal configurations with different waves on the walls are simulated. The Lacey mixing index is applied to analyze the mixing characteristics. The driven forces from the wavy wall, either positive/negative or effective driven forces, are analyzed to explain the mechanisms of mixing enhancement in the wavy drum. A new control parameter is proposed to explain the mechanism of mixing enhancement. It is found that a locally oscillating effect exists in wavy drums, which is imparted on the bulk rotating motions of particles and enhances the characteristics of particle mixing and heat conduction significantly. Except over large wave numbers and rotating speeds when the flow regime is deteriorated for mixing, the wavy drum is generally beneficial for mixing augmentation as well as conduction enhancement.

KEYWORDS:

• Discrete element method
• driven force
• heat conduction
• mixing
• rotating drum
• wavy wall