Effect of fractal dimension of agglomerate structure on particle-particle interactions in turbulent flow

A systematic approach to simulate particle-particle interactions considering agglomerate breakup is developed using large eddy and discrete particle simulations, with the technique applied to solid-liquid flows in a vertical turbulent channel. The results indicate that the fractal dimension and size of the agglomerate are key parameters that control shear-induced breakup dynamics which becomes slower as the fractal dimension increases from df = 2.0 to df = 3.0, and ultimately to no breakup. Breakup processes reduce the number of agglomerates in the system as well as populating the system with particles of smaller size, thereby promoting more collisions and collisions leading to agglomeration. These results are encouraging and are consistent with expected physical behaviour.