Validation of fluid–particle interaction force relationships in binary-solid suspensions

• Various correlations for fluid–particle interaction forces were tested against experimental data.
• The correlation based on “generalized” Archimedes’ principle produced more realistic predictions.
• It is of paramount importance how the buoyancy force in a solid–fluid suspension is defined.

In this work several relationships governing solid–fluid dynamic interaction forces were validated against experimental data for a single particle settling in a suspension of other smaller particles. It was observed that force relationships based on Lattice-Boltzmann simulations did not perform as well as other interaction types tested. Nonetheless, it is apparent that, in the case of a suspension of different particle types, it is important that the correct choice is made as to how the contribution to the overall fluid–particle interaction force is split between buoyancy and drag. Experimental evidence clearly suggests that the “generalized” Archimedes’ principle (where the foreign particle is considered to displace the whole suspension and not just the fluid) provides the best result.

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