Influence of electrostatic charges on particle-laden flows

The concentration and agglomeration of uncharged particles in turbulent flows is a fundamental scientific problem that was investigated for decades. Recently, we developed beyond the state-of-the-art numerical methods to capture in detail the influence of electrostatic charges and the flow field on particle dynamics. Using the new simulation tool pafiX, we discovered the influence of charges carried by the particles on their preferential location in wall-bounded turbulent flows. In particular, we found that for most flow conditions charges of the same polarity counter-act the tendency of particles to accumulate close to the walls, which is called turbopheresis. However, for high charge levels, the concentration at the walls decreases. The concentration peak detaches from the walls and moves toward the bulk of the flow. Moreover, electrostatic charges attenuate the vortical motions of particles which are typical for square duct flows. In this talk, our latest discoveries will be reviewed. Additionally, we will present new results regarding the effect of bipolar charging on particle concentration.