Deterministic modelling of particle agglomeration in turbulent flow

A reliable and efficient approach to simulate turbulent particle-laden flow at high mass loadings has been developed which is applicable over a wide parameter space. Large eddy simulation and Lagrangian particle tracking are used, together with a deterministic treatment of inter-particle collisions as well as particle feedback effects on the fluid phase (four-way coupling). On detection of a collision, particle agglomeration is tested based on the pre-collision energy momentum balance, restitution coefficient and the van der Waals' interactions. The agglomeration model is tested with the results demonstrating that the agglomeration rate increases with decreases in particle and fluid inertia, and the particle normal restitution coefficient.