Numerical study of gas–solid transport characteristics within vortex region induced by porous media using lattice-Boltzmann based discrete particle simulation

Porous media, as delivery carriers, holds great potential application in various fields particular in drug delivery. A comprehensive understanding of gas–solid transport characteristics within porous media is significant and regulating retention and release of drug particles. A combined approach of lattice Boltzmann method and time-driven hard-sphere model (LBM-TDHS) was used to investigate particle transport process in porous media. The vortex induced by porous structures was observed. Particle trajectories with different connectivity of the vortex region and inlet flow angles was conducted. This study revealed that fluid velocity between connected regions significantly affects the gas streamlines’ shape and particle trajectories. Different inlet flow angles lead to five modes of particle trajectories in vortex regions. Finally, some modifications were performed in general irregular porous structure to control particle trajectories. LBM-TDHS successfully investigated particle dynamics in vortex regions within porous media, demonstrating potential applicationin optimizing the structure of drug delivery carriers.