Large eddy simulation of fiber flocculation in a diffuser: Effects of fiber inertia and reinjection kinematics

Journal article, 2026

This study investigates flocculation in dilute suspensions of rigid fibers flowing through an asymmetric diffuser using an Eulerian–Lagrangian approach. The analysis focuses on flow-induced ballistic flocculation under varying fiber inertia and inlet (reinjection) kinematics. The fiber length exceeds the Kolmogorov length scale of the carrier flow, and finite inertia leads to a non-negligible slip velocity relative to the fluid. Large eddy simulation (LES) is applied with a dynamic subgrid-scale model to resolve the flow field and turbulence. One-way coupling between the fibers and the flow is assumed, while fiber–fiber interactions are modeled using short-range attractive forces that promote floc formation. The results show that ballistic deflection significantly accelerates flocculation in the diffuser region, establishing ballistic deflection as the dominant mechanism. In addition, inlet fiber kinematics and inertia strongly influence flocculation within the straight inflow channel.