Spiral motion enables simultaneous homogenization and enhanced transport in granular pipe flow
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Density waves in gravity-driven granular pipe flow reduce transport efficiency and produce large fluctuations in the local solid fraction. Helical wall textures suppress these instabilities but at the expense of reduced throughput. Using discrete element simulations (DEM), we find that this homogenization is associated with spiral particle motion induced by the helical wall texture. Quantifying this motion by the mean angular velocity reveals a strong correlation between spiral motion, flow homogenization, and transport performance. Motivated by this insight, we introduce a helical pipe whose centerline follows a helical path while maintaining a constant circular cross section. This design generates stronger spiral motion than conventional helical wall textures. For suitable design parameters, the helical pipe simultaneously enhances flow homogeneity and increases the mean flow velocity beyond that of a plain straight pipe. These results support spiral motion as a useful diagnostic and design variable for simultaneously improving flow homogeneity and transport efficiency within the investigated parameter range.
Source: Powder Technology
Authors: Wing To Ku, Patric Müller, Thorsten Pöschel
Institution: Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg
Language: English
Subfield: Computational Mechanics
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,610
Funder: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft
OpenAlex ID: W7215708108