Direct numerical simulation of moderate-Reynolds-number flow past arrays of ellipsoids

Through particle-resolved direct numerical simulations of flow past arrays of ellipsoids, the hydrodynamic force on ellipsoids depends on the particle orientation, aspect ratio, particle Reynolds number, and solid volume fraction is revealed at moderate Reynolds numbers. The results show that the mean drag force on arrays of prolate/oblate ellipsoids decreases/increases as the Hermans orientation factor increases when flows are in the reference direction defined by the average symmetric axis of particles. The individual drag force on a prolate/oblate ellipsoid increases/decreases with the increase of incidence angle, and it is also affected by the orientation of surrounding particles. The individual lift force is also significant when the aspect ratio is away from unity at large particle Reynolds numbers. Based on simulation results, correlations for the hydrodynamic force on ellipsoids at arbitrary particle Reynolds numbers, solid volume fractions, Hermans orientation factors, incidence angles, and aspect ratios are formulated.