Vortex-Breakdown-Induced Particle Capture in Branching Junctions

Jesse T. Ault, Andrea Fani, Kevin K. Chen, Sangwoo Shin, François Gallaire, and Howard A. Stone
Phys. Rev. Lett. 117, 084501 – Published 15 August 2016
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Abstract

We show experimentally that a flow-induced, Reynolds number-dependent particle-capture mechanism in branching junctions can be enhanced or eliminated by varying the junction angle. In addition, numerical simulations are used to show that the features responsible for this capture have the signatures of classical vortex breakdown, including an approach flow aligned with the vortex axis and a pocket of subcriticality. We show how these recirculation regions originate and evolve and suggest a physical mechanism for their formation. Furthermore, comparing experiments and numerical simulations, the presence of vortex breakdown is found to be an excellent predictor of particle capture. These results inform the design of systems in which suspended particle accumulation can be eliminated or maximized.

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  • Received 15 December 2015

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.117.084501

© 2016 American Physical Society

Physics Subject Headings (PhySH)

Nonlinear DynamicsFluid Dynamics

Authors & Affiliations

Jesse T. Ault1, Andrea Fani2, Kevin K. Chen3, Sangwoo Shin1, François Gallaire4, and Howard A. Stone1,*

  • 1Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, USA
  • 2Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Aerospaziali, Politecnico di Milano, 20156 Milano, Italy
  • 3Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089, USA
  • 4Laboratory of Fluid Mechanics and Instabilities, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne. EPFL-STI-IGM-LFMI, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland

  • *hastone@princeton.edu

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Issue

Vol. 117, Iss. 8 — 19 August 2016

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