Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 16, 2026

The Diffusion of Passive Tracers in Laminar Shear Flow
Published on: May 1, 2018
Symmetry Breaking Drift of Particles Settling in Homogeneous Shear Turbulence
M A T van Hinsberg1, H J H Clercx1, Federico Toschi1,2
1Department of Applied Physics and J.M. Burgers Centre for Fluid Dynamics, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
Abstract:
We investigate the influence of shear on the gravitational settling of heavy inertial particles in homogeneous shear turbulence (HST). In addition to the well-known enhanced settling velocity, observed for heavy inertial particles in homogeneous isotropic turbulence (HIT), a horizontal drift velocity is also observed in the shearing direction due to the presence of a nonzero mean vorticity (introducing symmetry breaking due to the mean shear). This drift velocity is due to the combination of shear, gravity, and turbulence, and all three of these elements are needed for this effect to occur. We extend the mechanism responsible for the enhanced settling velocity in HIT to the case of HST. Two separate regimes are observed, characterized by positive or negative drift velocity, depending on the particle settling velocity.
More Related Videos
11:51Visually Based Characterization of the Incipient Particle Motion in Regular Substrates: From Laminar to Turbulent Conditions
Published on: February 22, 2018
08:42Challenges in Rheological Characterization of Highly Concentrated Suspensions — A Case Study for Screen-printing Silver Pastes
Published on: April 10, 2017
Related Concept Videos
Symmetry in Maxwell's Equations
Navier–Stokes Equations
Newtonian Fluid: Problem Solving
A velocity gradient forms within the fluid when a Newtonian fluid is placed between two parallel plates, with...
Euler's Equations of Motion
Thin-Walled Hollow Shafts
Irrotational Flow