Numerical studies of particle segregation in a rotating drum based on Eulerian continuum approach

Solid–solid–gas three-phase particle segregation in a half-filled rotating drum is simulated using Eulerian continuum approach coupling the kinetic theory of granular flow. A dynamic angle of repose fitting (DARF) method is proposed to determine granular kinetic viscosities of particles of six different sizes moving in the drum rotating at 10 rpm, 20 rpm or 30 rpm. The DARF granular kinetic viscosity increases and decreases with the increasing of particle size and drum rotational speed, respectively. The determined DARF granular viscosity values are used to simulate size-induced particle segregation in a rotating drum. The simulated small-particle-rich segregation structure shows a central small-particle-rich band together with two small-particle-rich side wings. The size of the wings decreases with the increasing of the drum rotational speed. The formation of radial segregation core and axial segregation bands qualitatively agree with the experimental observations.