Numerical Simulation for Orientation of Thin Disk Particles in a Newtonian Flow through a L-Shape Channel

Orientation evolution of thin disk particles, such as talc and mica, in a Newtonian flow through a L-shape channel was numerically simulated by decoupling flow kinematics with particle orientation using the Jeffery equation to obtain the knowledge of the processing of thin micro-particle reinforced composites: (1) periodic flip-over of a thin disk particle moving near the channel wall can be clearly observed for large initial azimuthal angle: (2) when a thin disk particle rounds the corner of a L-shape channel, a disk particle tends to align in the direction perpendicular to the flow plane as it approaches alignment along the streamline.