Guang, R, Rudman, M, Chryss, A, Slatter, P & Bhattacharya, S 2011, 'Direct numerical simulation (DNS) investigation of turbulent open channel flow of a Herschel-Bulkley fluid', in R Jewell & AB Fourie (eds), Paste 2011: Proceedings of the 14th International Seminar on Paste and Thickened Tailings, Australian Centre for Geomechanics, Perth, pp. 439-452, https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_rep/1104_38_Guang
(https://papers.acg.uwa.edu.au/p/1104_38_Guang/)
Abstract: In this research, the turbulent behaviour of non-Newtonian suspensions in open channel conditions will be examined and investigated. With lack of fundamental understanding about the mechanisms involved about how turbulent flows of non-Newtonian fluid transport suspension particles, direct numerical simulation may come into the research as a useful validation tool. A better understanding of the mechanism operating in the turbulent flow of non-Newtonian suspensions in open channel flow would lead to improved design of many of the systems used in the mining and mineral processing industries. The main aim of the study is to describe how does a non-Newtonian fluid transport particles in an open channel and validation of a computational model.

Direct numerical simulation (DNS) of the turbulent flow of non-Newtonian fluids in an open channel is modelled using a spectral element-Fourier method. The simulation of a yield–pseudoplastic fluid using the Herschel–Bulkley model agrees qualitatively with experimental results from field measurements of mineral tailing slurries. The effect of variation in flow behaviour index is investigated and used to assess the sensitivity of the flow to these physical parameters. This methodology is seen to be useful in designing and optimising the transport of slurries in open channels.