Modeling of Particle Size Segregation: Calibration Using the Discrete Particle Method

Over the last 25 years a lot of work has been undertaken on constructing continuum models for segregation of particles of different sizes. We focus on one model that is designed to predict segregation and remixing of two differently sized particle species. This model contains two dimensionless parameters, which in general depend on both the flow and particle properties. One of the weaknesses of the model is that these dependencies are not predicted; these have to be determined by either experiments or simulations. We present steady-state simulations using the discrete particle method (DPM) for bi-disperse systems with different size ratios. The aim is to determine one parameter in the continuum model, i.e., the segregation Péclet number (ratio of the segregation velocity to diffusion) as a function of the particle size ratio. Reasonable agreement is found; but, also measurable discrepancies are reported;