Dynamic shape factor of cylindrical and prismatic particles

Abstract

Dynamic shape factor of a non-spherical particle is defined as the ratio of its terminal falling velocity ut and terminal falling velocity ut,0 of the sphere with diameter equal to the volume equivalent diameter of the non-spherical particle considered. The knowledge of the shape factor can be advantageously employed for prediction of the terminal falling velocity of non-spherical particles falling in both Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids. Based on the measurements of terminal falling velocity of 22 types of cylindrical and 26 types of prismatic particles in solutions of glycerol, the values of the shape factor have been determined in the transition flow region (1.7Re115). The suitability of the procedures available in the literature for engineering etimation of the dynamic shape factor has been evaluated for cylindrical and prismatic particles by comparing the predicted and experimental data.