Numerical simulation of granular particle movement in fluid flow

A coupled method between discontinuum and continuum approaches has been developed to simulate granular particles moving in a flowing fluid. The movement of granules is modeled using the discrete element method, while the finite volume scheme is used to simulate fluid flow. The existence of granules in the flow region is assumed to cause a reduction in the amount of fluid flow. The flowing fluid is expected to induce drag forces, which are computed based on the relative velocities between the fluid and particles. Buoyant forces on a particle are equal to the weight of the fluid displaced by the particle. An existing computer program has been modified to include the solution of the Navier-Stokes equation. A few illustrative examples are given to demonstrate the possibility of the proposed method in simulating granular particles moving in a flowing fluid.