Numerical simulation of filtration flow through and around textile fibers

A numerical analysis based on a finite element method is used to model a Ne wtonian fluid how in a channel partially closed with a thin porous structur e. Our goal is to study the effects of variations of the structural paramet ers of this filter on the how. The two-dimensional problem is resolved for a Reynolds number close to 0.1 with dimensionless variables. The structure is made of porous bands more or less spaced by slits. These bands represent porous fibers or fabrics according to a scale. Flows through a full porous medium and through the porous structure with slits are compared, and the i nfluence on the hydrodynamic held of aperture porosity beta, slit number, a nd permeability is investigated. The results reveal the necessary condition s leading to homogeneousness and minimum perturbation of flow. The particul ar case of a tilter being plugged is approached.