Numerical Simulation of Filtration Flow Through and Around Textile Fibers1

Abstract

A numerical analysis based on a finite element method is used to model a Newtonian fluid flow in a channel partially closed with a thin porous structure. Our goal is to study the effects of variations of the structural parameters of this filter on the flow. The two- dimensional problem is resolved for a Reynolds number close to 0.1 with dimensionless variables. The structure is made of porous bands more or less spaced by slits. These bands represent porous fibers or fabrics according to a scale. Flows through a full porous medium and through the porous structure with slits are compared, and the influence on the hydrodynamic field of aperture porosity β, slit number, and permea bility is investigated. The results reveal the necessary conditions leading to homoge neousness and minimum perturbation of flow. The particular case of a filter being plugged is approached.