Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 6, 2026

Visually Based Characterization of the Incipient Particle Motion in Regular Substrates: From Laminar to Turbulent Conditions
Published on: February 22, 2018
Particles held by springs in a linear shear flow exhibit oscillatory motion
Lukas Holzer1, Walter Zimmermann
1Theoretische Physik, Universität Bayreuth, D-95440 Bayreuth, Germany.
Abstract:
The dynamics of small spheres that are held by linear springs in a low Reynolds number shear flow at neighboring locations is investigated. The flow elongates the beads, and the interplay of the shear gradient with the nonlinear behavior of the hydrodynamic interaction among the spheres causes in a large range of parameters a bifurcation to a surprising oscillatory bead motion. The parameter ranges wherein this bifurcation is either super- or subcritical are determined.
Related Concept Videos
Steady, Laminar Flow Between Parallel Plates
Laminar and Turbulent Flow
Newtonian Fluid: Problem Solving
A velocity gradient forms within the fluid when a Newtonian fluid is placed between two parallel plates, with...
Simple Harmonic Motion
Simple Harmonic Motion and Uniform Circular Motion
There is an easy way to produce simple harmonic motion by using uniform circular motion. For instance, consider a ball attached to a uniformly rotating...
Energy in Simple Harmonic Motion

