Numerical investigation of hard-gel microparticle suspension dynamics in microfluidic channels: Aggregation/fragmentation phenomena, and incipient clogging

The aggregation/fragmentation dynamics of hard-gel microparticles suspended in a Newtonian liquid flowing through a straight channel is studied by numerical simulations. A one-way Discrete Element Method is employed to simulate the motion and the adhesion of the particles. The formation and fragmentation of aggregates, and their deposition at the channel walls are investigated by varying the Reynolds number and the strength of the adhesive force. A non-periodic channel is considered to simulate the start-up phase of aggregate formation till a 'pseudo steady-state' condition. Results in terms of microstructures, particle velocity profiles, and spatial and temporal evolution of aggregates in 2D and cylindrical (3D) channels are presented and discussed.