Dispersion of suspended particles in turbulent flow

Abstract

The upward dispersion of heavy particles in suspension in turbulent flow was studied using a numerical model. The interaction between the turbulence and the particle diffusion leads to the formation of a horizontal front (or a "lutocline"), across which the diffusion of particles and the propagation of turbulent energy are inhibited. However, as the settling velocity of the particles becomes larger, or as the particle concentration becomes smaller, the interaction weakens, thus suppressing the front formation. One-dimensional model equations for the problem are solved numerically to calculate the evolution of the particle concentration. A criterion for the formation of the front is proposed and the steady depth of the suspension layer is determined. © 1991 American Institute of Physics.