Destruction of preferential accumulation by Lorentz force interactions

Download

PDF - Post print Restricted to Registered users only Download (1699Kb) | Request a copy

Description/Abstract

The effect of electric charge, residing on particles, upon the phenomenon of preferential accumulation is investigated using
direct numerical simulations of forced isotropic turbulence. It is well known that particles with a certain range of Stokes
numbers preferentially accumulate, or de-mix, due to action of turbulent motion. Here it is shown that charged particles
interact with each other through an electric field generated by non-uniformity of particle distribution. This interaction mitigates
preferential accumulation at a bulk charge density level that is practically relevant and commensurate with the first few
centimetres of a spray plume, the region where non-homogeneous particle concentration typically forms. It is suggested that use of electric charge could be useful in improving mixture preparation for spray combustion applications.