Numerical Investigation of Funicular Liquid Bridges between Three Spherical Grains in a Bidisperse Particulate System

Area of Science:

• Physics
• Materials Science
• Chemical Engineering

Background:

• Capillary effects significantly influence wet powder performance and agglomerate formation.
• The funicular regime, characterized by liquid bridges, dominates wet granular media at higher water content.
• Understanding liquid bridge behavior is crucial for controlling powder properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a numerical model for liquid interactions among three spherical grains.
• To investigate the influence of various parameters on capillary forces and rupture distances.
• To propose a modified equation for predicting funicular bridge rupture distance.

Main Methods:

• Utilized Surface Evolver software for energy minimization.
• Developed a numerical model for liquid interactions between three spherical grains.
• Investigated effects of liquid volume, contact angle, grain size ratio, gap, and separation distance.

Main Results:

• Analyzed capillary forces and rupture distances under varying conditions.
• Presented a modified closed-form equation for predicting funicular bridge rupture distance.
• Confirmed findings related to the splitting of funicular bridges.

Conclusions:

• The developed model accurately describes liquid interactions and rupture phenomena.
• The modified equation enhances prediction of rupture distance in three-grain systems.
• Insights provided aid in incorporating capillary effects into mechanical models for particulate systems.