Simulation of aggregate deformation and breakup in simple shear flows using a combined continuum and discrete model

The evolution of aggregates suspended in liquid and subjected to simple (elongational) shear flows is reported under different shear rates and for varying strengths of interparticle interactions. This is carried out using simulations via the combined continuum and discrete model, offering a combined approach of distinct element method and computational fluid dynamics. In such a model, the motion of individual particles is obtained by solving Newton's second law of motion and flow of continuum fluid by the locally-averaged Navier–Stokes equations. The results demonstrate the dependence of both the dominating aggregate breakup mechanism and final aggregate morphology on shear rates and strength of interparticle interactions.