Simulations of non-spherical particles suspended in a shear flow

The lattice-Boltzmann method was used to investigate the effects of the sha pe and concentration of the particles on the rheological properties of non- Brownian suspensions for non-zero Reynolds numbers. Several case studies we re analyzed and the methods used were found to give accurate predictions fo r these systems. The viscosity of suspensions of both spherical and non-sph erical particles was determined as functions of shear rate and concentratio n of particles. It was shown that, for high shear rates, shear thickening a ppears. This phenomenon is particularly pronounced for particles of irregul ar shape. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.