Discrete Element Method for Multiphase Flows with Biogenic Particles: Agriculture Applications

This book presents the advanced theory and application of the combined Computational Fluid Dynamics – Discrete Element Method (CFD-DEM) to multiphase flow simulations of the gas and bio-particulate matter of non-uniformly shaped biomass. It explores how DEM can simulate the complex behaviour of biomass particles, such as their packing in the multiphase flows that occurs in the agricultural product processing industries. It offers an overview of aerodynamic systems, such as cyclone separators, used in the agricultural processing industry. A detailed description of DEM modeling, including the particle-particle, particle-boundary, and particle-fluid interactions in the context of biomass particles of varying sizes and shapes, is provided. Coverage includes the critical application of CFD-DEM simulation technology in designing and optimizing grain handling and processing equipment and the application of extended DEM to other granular flows of complex particles like sand, powders, and dust from mines where clumping and agglomeration occur. The application of DEM in modeling and simulation of complex multiphase systems can help improve productivity, reduce costs, and increase efficiency in the agricultural industry.

Ling Zhou, Ph.D., is a Professor at Jiangsu University, China. He received his M.Sc. in 2011 and his Ph.D. in 2014, both in fluids engineering from Jiangsu University. He completed a one-year joint Ph.D. research program and a one-year visiting scholar program at Washington University in St. Louis. His research interests involve the multiphase flow mechanisms inside the classical fluid machinery such as pumps, fluidized beds, and cyclones.

Mahmoud A. Elemam, Ph.D., is a lecturer at Alexandria University in Egypt and a Postdoctoral Fellow at Jiangsu University in China. His primary research interests lie in fluid machinery and fluids engineering, where he employs experimental and numerical approaches to address various research questions. Dr. Elemam’s current research focuses on several cutting-edge research areas, including transporting solid-liquid mixtures in aerodynamic systems featuring cyclone separators and investigating multiphase flow, cavitation, and erosion wear in pumps.

Ramesh K. Agarwal, Ph.D., is the William Palm Professor of Engineering in the department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science at Washington University in St. Louis. He received his Ph.D. in Aeronautical Sciences from Stanford University in 1975, an M.S. in Aeronautical Engineering from the University of Minnesota in 1969, and a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, in 1968. Professor Agarwal has worked in various areas of mechanical and aerospace engineering, and energy and environment including computational fluid dynamics (CFD), chemical looping combustion, carbon capture, utilization and sequestration, and wind and solar energy.  He is the author and co-author of over 600 publications and serves on the editorial board of more than 20 journals. He is a Fellow of 32 professional societies and has been the recipient of many awards.

Weidong Shi, Ph.D., is a Professor at the Nantong University and Jiangsu University, China. He is engaged in teaching, scientific research, and developing new products for fluid machinery. He has 17 patents and over 200 published academic papers. Professor Shi has guided about 60 postdoctoral, Ph.D., and graduate students. The Chinese General Machinery Industry Association awarded him the National Outstanding Science and Technology Worker in Chemical Engineering Award and the Outstanding Innovation Contributor Award.