The performance of discrete element method (DEM) simulations is highly dependent on the requirements of the associated algorithms in terms of computer memory usage and CPU time. In particular, computer CPU time heavily depends on the identification of neighbor particles and the computation of particle-particle interactions. Over the years several neighbor particles searching methods have been developed. Accordingly, in this work the performance of two of well-known searching methods, linked cell and Verlet tables algorithms, are assessed in the context of the development of a new DEM-based tool. More specifically, the neighbor searching methods performance and related computational costs are parametrically analyzed and an assessment of their suitability for carrying the intended numerical simulations is provided. The referred numerical simulations are performed accounting for a canonical...

The early stages of the development of a finite element method (FEM) based computational tool for numerically simulating mineral-slurry transport involving both Newtonian and non-Newtonian flows are described in this work. The rationale behind the conception, design and implementation of the referred object-oriented programming tool is thus initially highlighted. A particular emphasis is put on several architectural aspects accounted for and object class hierarchies defined during the development of the tool. Next one of the main modules composing the tool under development is further described. Finally, as a means of illustration, the use of the FEM based tool for simulating two-dimensional laminar flows is discussed. More specifically, canonical configurations widely studied in the past are firstly accounted for. A more practical application involving the simulation of a mineral-slurry...

A finite element method (FEM) based tool is used in this work to numerically modeling mineral-slurry like flows in a 3D lid-driven cavity. Accordingly, the context in which the referred FEM based tool is being developed is firstly emphasized. Both mathematical and numerical models utilized here are described next. A special emphasis is put on the flow governing equations and the particular FEM weighted residuals approach (Galerkin method) used to solve these equations. Since mineral-slurry flows both featuring relatively low flow velocities and containing large amounts of solid particles can be accounted for as laminar non-Newtonian flows, only laminar flows are discussed here. Indeed both Newtonian and non-Newtonian laminar flows are numerically studied using a 3D lid-driven cavity at two different Reynolds numbers. Two rheological models, power-law and Carreau-Yasuda, are utilized in t...

This work reviews the state of the art of the main soot modeling approaches used in turbulent diffusion flames. Accordingly, after a short introduction about the subject addressed here, the main soot formation mechanisms are described next. This description provides the basis for the discussions about the different soot modeling techniques employed nowadays for soot predictions. Since combustion and radiation models have a significant impact on soot predictions, as a consequence of the strong coupling between chemistry, turbulence and soot formation, a general overview about these models is also provided. For the sake of clarity, the main soot formation models reviewed in this work are classified as semiempirical soot precursor models and detailed ones. Both advantages and disadvantages of the referred soot modeling approaches are properly discussed. In the last part of this review, comp...

This work was supported by CONCYTEC-FONDECYT (Peru), contract N° 159-2020-FONDECYT and the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru.