Orientation Dynamics of Sedimenting Anisotropic Particles in Turbulence

We examine the dynamics of small anisotropic particles (spheroids) sedimenting through homogeneous isotropic turbulence using direct numerical simulations and theory. The gravity-induced inertial torque acting on sub-Kolmogorov spheroids leads to pronouncedly non-Gaussian orientation distributions localized about the broadside-on (to gravity) orientation. Orientation distributions and average settling velocities are obtained over a wide range of spheroid aspect ratios, Stokes, and Froude numbers. Orientational moments from the simulations compare well with analytical predictions in the inertialess rapid-settling limit, with both exhibiting a nonmonotonic dependence on spheroid aspect ratio. Deviations arise at Stokes numbers of order unity due to a spatially inhomogeneous particle concentration field resulting from a preferential sweeping effect; as a consequence, the time-averaged particle settling velocities exceed the orientationally averaged estimates.