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Updated: Nov 17, 2025

Visually Based Characterization of the Incipient Particle Motion in Regular Substrates: From Laminar to Turbulent Conditions
Published on: February 22, 2018
Interaction between two unequal particles at intermediate Reynolds numbers: A pattern of horizontal oscillatory
Deming Nie1, Geng Guan1, Jianzhong Lin2
1Institute of Fluid Mechanics, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, China.
This study used the lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) to simulate two interacting particles in a vertical channel. Researchers identified distinct settling regimes and a novel horizontal oscillatory motion (HOM) pattern.
Area of Science:
- Fluid dynamics
- Computational physics
- Particle dynamics
Background:
- Understanding particle interactions in fluid flows is crucial for various industrial and natural processes.
- The behavior of multiple particles settling under gravity is complex and depends on numerous parameters.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the settling dynamics of two interacting particles with varying densities and diameters in a vertical channel.
- To identify transition boundaries between separate and interacting particle settling regimes.
- To characterize a newly observed horizontal oscillatory motion (HOM).
Main Methods:
- Two-dimensional lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) simulations.
- Systematic variation of particle density ratio (λ) and diameter ratio (r).
- Analysis of particle trajectories, terminal velocities, and oscillation characteristics.
Main Results:
- Identified power-law relationships for transition boundaries between settling regimes.
- Revealed a horizontal oscillatory motion (HOM) pattern for specific diameter ratios and intermediate Reynolds numbers.
- Observed that oscillation magnitude decreases with increasing density ratio (λ), while frequency increases.
- Noted a transition from drafting-kissing-tumbling to HOM with increasing λ.
- HOM can bifurcate to a vertical steady state under certain conditions.
- A critical confinement ratio was found to influence particle interaction patterns.
Conclusions:
- The study elucidates complex settling behaviors of binary particles, including a novel HOM.
- Transition boundaries and the emergence of HOM are predictable based on particle size and density ratios.
- Confinement effects play a significant role in dictating particle interaction dynamics.
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