Session: 04-11-01 Posters

Paper Number: 194678

194678 - Computational Study of Fiber Flow in a Cylindrical Channel Using the Lattice Boltzmann and Immersed Boundary Methods 

Abstract: 

The flow behavior and orientation of fibers suspended in confined geometries play a critical role in determining the mechanical and functional properties of fiber-reinforced composites in 3D-printed materials. 3D printing is one of the primary applications of this study; however, the results are broadly applicable to a wide range of other engineering and industrial processes. In this study, we employ a coupled Lattice Boltzmann Method (LBM) and Immersed Boundary Method (IBM) framework to simulate fiber–fluid interactions within a cylindrical channel. Simulations have been done for different fiber lengths and concentrations, including dilute, semi-dilute, and concentrated regimes, to investigate their impact on flow structure, dispersion, and orientation distribution. The results show complex flow–fiber coupling phenomena, including alignment along the longitudinal direction and rotational dynamics near channel boundaries. Enhanced fiber length and concentration result in an increased alignment and collective behavior of fibers during a flow. The evaluation of the fibers in a radial manner reveals how fiber distribution and orientation change across the channel’s cross-section highlighting different behaviors in the core and nearest-wall regions. The micrometric behaviors of fiber suspensions as they relate to resin, epoxy, and nanocomposite systems used for additive manufacturing and composite processing can be obtained from the presented data. Developed computational framework offers foundational work for optimization of the alignment of fibers through appropriate levels of quality control during the design, development, and manufacture of composite materials.

Presenting Author: Milad Sangsefidi University of Arkansas

Presenting Author Biography: Milad is a Ph.D. student in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Arkansas. He is a computational scientist working on various mechanical aspects of novel and lightweight materials using a range of advanced computational approaches.

Authors:

Milad Sangsefidi University of Arkansas
Paul C. Millett University of Arkansas