Aerodynamic coefficient models for disk-shaped biomass particles with low aspect ratios

In numerical simulations of biomass co-firing in coal-fired power plant boilers, the current literature lacks precise models for the drag, lift, and torque coefficients of non-spherical particles. To address this gap, this study develops a novel set of aerodynamic coefficient correlations specifically for disk-shaped biomass particles across varying aspect ratios (0<Ar < 1), Reynolds numbers (1≤Re ≤ 2000), and angles of attack (0°≤θ ≤ 90°). Using the body-fitted mesh method in OpenFOAM, combined with direct numerical simulation and theoretical analysis, this study reveals the critical roles of aspect ratio, Reynolds number, and angle of attack in determining the flow behavior and force characteristics of disk particles. A comprehensive parametric analysis demonstrates these dependencies. Numerical validation confirms that the proposed correlation models maintain high accuracy across different flow parameters, with low mean square errors (8.48 × 10−2, 2.5 × 10−2 and 8.1 × 10−3 for drag, lift, and torque, respectively) and low average relative errors (1.37%, 3.21%, and 1.89%). Furthermore, a comparative analysis with experimental and simulated data from existing literature shows excellent agreement, with relative errors below 5% for conditions up to Re ≤ 300. This correlation model significantly improves the simulation accuracy of non-spherical biomass particles in multiphase flow systems, providing a robust foundation for fluid dynamics optimization in industrial applications such as coal-fired boilers and biomass co-firing systems.