Simulating particle settling in inclined narrow channels with the unresolved CFD-DEM method

Abstract

Sediment settling in inclined fractures (channels with high aspect ratio) is studied numerically. Unlike the conventional Boycott effect, heterogeneous particle-clustering plumes are observed from the simulation results. Granular-induced Kelvin-Helmholtz and Rayleigh-Taylor instabilities are found to be the dominating mechanisms in this process. This work deepens the understanding of the Boycott effect in fractures, and provides various quantitative relationships of acceleration ratio versus inclination angle.