Are Drag Models Adequate? A Comprehensive Analysis of Drag Modelling for Regular and Irregular Particles

Particles travelling within and interacting with any fluid media are found in both natural phenomena and industrial processes. Through these interactions, the particles experience a drag force, heavily influenced by their morphology, and significantly affecting their dynamics. This study examines the relationship between particle morphology and the drag force exerted on them, using both empirical models and computational simulations. The findings indicate that for regular and irregular particles of diverse morphologies, a combination of existing empirical models can predict the drag force within a 40% error margin. However, these models may fall short of meeting the accuracy demands in certain applications. To address this, the study provides clear guidelines for selecting the most suitable drag model based on particle morphology and flow regime.