Hydrodynamic clogging of micro-particles in planar channels under electrostatic forces

Hydrodynamic clogging in planar channels is studied via direct numerical simulation for the first time, utilising a novel test cell and stochastic methodology with special focus on influence of electrostatic forces. Electrostatic physics incorporated into an existing coupled lattice Boltzmann-discrete element method framework, which verified rigorously. First, dynamics problem governed by Stokes number, $St$ . At low , probability, $P$ increases due to increasing collision frequency. high however, decreases quadratic scaling hydrodynamic force acting arches. Under forces, well represented wall adhesion $Ad_w$ For $Ad_w \lesssim 4$ mechanical dependence exhibited, while $4 < Ad_w 20$ there transition as sliding along, attachment to, channel surface occurs increasingly. \gtrsim $P > 0.95$ Particle agglomeration, can also decrease diminished interaction walls. Distinct parametric regions are observed relation width, critical width $w/d^*=2.6$ reported, $w/d^*=4$ strong attachment. The number particles that form stable arches across determined be $n=\left \lceil {w/d}\right \rceil + 1$ Finally, sensitivity Coulomb friction coefficient favour calibrating parameters bulk system behaviour. greatest sensitivities occur situations where arch stability lowest, becomes independent adhesion.