Mechanical Flocculation in Flowing Fiber Suspensions

Abstract

Non-Brownian fibers commonly flocculate in flowing suspensions. A particle level simulation technique modeling fibers as chains of rods connected by hinges is developed to probe flocculation. Simulations show that flocculation can be induced solely by interfiber friction—attractive forces between fibers are not necessary. Simulated mechanical floc characteristics are consistent with experimental observations. In contrast, simulations of flocs formed by attractive forces behave qualitatively differently.