Particle shape matters: Flow and heat transfer characteristics of nonspherical particles

The primary shape considered for the present numerical study is the spherical segment dissected from the spherical particle at an angle α from its vertical y-axis. The shape effect of the spherical segments on momentum and heat transfer characteristics are presented in terms of shape factor (ψ) spanning over the range of 0.424 (α = 30⁰) ≤ ψ ≤ 0.996 (α = 150⁰) for Reynolds number, 1 ≤ Re ≤ 150. The results of drag, heat transfer coefficient, and streamlines have been compared with the closest shapes of spherical segment, i.e., cone (0.324 ≤ ψ ≤ 0.658) and short cylinder (0.541 ≤ ψ ≤ 0.872) to identify the role of the particle shape. The range of shapes has been correlated for drag and average Nusselt number as a function of Re, shape factor, ψ and particle longest chord length or base diameter to height ratio (1 ≤ dc/h ≤ 7.463).