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Published on: March 12, 2019
Sedimentation, Péclet number, and hydrodynamic screening
Kiley Benes1, Penger Tong, Bruce J Ackerson
1Department of Physics, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma 74078, USA.
Physical Review. E, Statistical, Nonlinear, and Soft Matter Physics
|February 1, 2008
Summary
This study investigates hard sphere sedimentation in Newtonian solvents, revealing distinct velocity behaviors at high and low Péclet numbers. Results suggest increased particle ordering at higher Péclet numbers, impacting suspension dynamics.
Area of Science:
- Colloid and interface science
- Fluid dynamics
- Materials science
Background:
- Sedimentation of particles in fluids is a fundamental process in various scientific and industrial applications.
- Understanding particle interactions and collective behavior is crucial for predicting suspension properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the sedimentation velocity of hard spheres in a Newtonian solvent across a range of Péclet numbers.
- To explore the influence of particle concentration and Péclet number on sedimentation behavior.
- To examine the emergence of ordered phases in dense suspensions.
Main Methods:
- Theoretical analysis of hard sphere sedimentation in the low-concentration limit.
- Experimental measurements of settling velocities in sheared suspensions.
- Comparison of experimental data with theoretical predictions.
Main Results:
- Two distinct functional forms for sedimentation velocity were identified at high and low Péclet numbers.
- Evidence suggests the formation of a more ordered phase at large Péclet numbers.
- Experimental data from sheared suspensions corroborate the theoretical findings.
Conclusions:
- The Péclet number significantly influences the sedimentation dynamics of hard spheres.
- Particle ordering plays a critical role in the collective behavior of suspensions.
- The study provides insights into existing models of suspension sedimentation.
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