An experimental study of gravity-driven thin-film flow with buoyant particles

ORAL

Abstract

Our experimental study involves silicone oil with buoyant foamed glass spheres, flowing under the action of gravity. We perform an extensive parametric study varying the angle of inclination, particle size, density and concentration. In the case of heavy particles, three regimes arise involving settling of particles to the substrate versus settling to the front of the flow. In contrast, only one regime is observed with buoyant particles, however the dynamics depart significantly from that of a clear fluid. We discuss results for front position versus time as well as changes in the fingering instability as a function of experimental parameters.

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Authors

  • Wylie Rosenthal

    • Harvey Mudd College

  • Paul Latterman

    • University of California, Los Angeles

  • Spencer Hill

    • University of California, Los Angeles

  • Paul David

    • University of Southern California

  • Matthew Mata

    • University of California, Los Angeles

  • Aliki Mavromoustaki

    • University of California, Los Angeles

  • Andrea Bertozzi

    • University of California, Los Angeles