Coupled Dynamics of Turbulent Water Flow and Non-Spherical Particles Through Novel Measurement Method

We present a method for simultaneously measuring both the fluid and particle phases in a dense particle-laden flow or slurry. There is no limit to the technique's ability to resolve very high particle number density. With this, we measure the motion of particles in high-Reynolds number turbulent water flow. The particles we consider include spheres, ellipsoids, and completely irregular geometries. The particles range from near neutrally buoyant to a specific gravity of 2. We measure the particles' translation and rotation, while simultaneously measuring the turbulent flow surrounding them. With this information, we can determine: the effect of particles on turbulent flow (e.g. enhanced dissipation); the effect of turbulent flow on particle (e.g. eddy diffusivity and modified settling velocity); and the dynamics at the particle interfaces which explain theses effects. In this presentation, we explain the method; present results on the rotational diffusion of particles; and present results on how particles affect the ambient turbulent flow.