Orientation Dynamics of Sedimenting Anisotropic Particles in Turbulence

Abstract

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 non-monotonic 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.

arXiv comment18 pages, 5 figures, includes Supplemental material

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• Velocity and acceleration statistics of heavy spheroidal particles in turbulence
• Pair statistics of oblate spheroids settling in a turbulent flow
• Fluid dynamics in clouds: The sum of its parts