Clustering, Rising, and Settling Dynamics of Particles in a Water Wave

Dynamics of inertial particles in turbulent flows with multiscale eddies has been studied in detail. The motion of inertial particles drifting vertically through a standing water wave field presents a simpler realization of the multiscale nature of eddies, with a more predictable, spatially locked and vertically evolving flow structure. We numerically study the behavior of inertial point-particles settling, rising, and clustering through a standing water wave flow field in a domain with periodic boundary conditions. We characterize the clustering behavior of the particles in the vicinity of the eddies and their settling/rising speed compared to those in still fluid. Additionally, we provide comparisons with enhanced settling speed (reduced rising speed) in homogenous, isotropic turbulent fields. Our results might have implications on the transport of microplastics in the ocean.