Finite-element simulation of mixing .1. Two-dimensional flow in periodic geometry

Complex mixing flows and mixing parameters are calculated to evaluate mixing quality on the basis of kinematic parameters together with a statistical analysis. The results allow for a comparative evaluation in terms of geometry and flow parameters. The evaluation is limited to two-dimensional flows with moving boundaries in periodic motion such as the flow in the cross section of a twin-cam mixer. The finite-element calculation requires a remeshing procedure for every time step with special techniques to upgrade mixing variables from one time step to the next. The relative mixing quality of single cam and co- or counterrotating cam devices are compared by evaluating segregation scale, length stretch, and efficiency. The numerical results exhibit a good correspondence with their experimental counterpart.