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| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Preprint |
| Published: |
2026
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://arxiv.org/abs/2601.20258 |
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| _version_ | 1866914285953744896 |
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| author | Todorova, Ana Niven, Robert K. Kramer, Matthias |
| author_facet | Todorova, Ana Niven, Robert K. Kramer, Matthias |
| contents | This study investigates the clustering behaviour and surface distributions of buoyant particles at the air-water interface in open-channel turbulent flow, focusing on the interplay between capillary attraction, hydrodynamic drag, and flow-driven lateral transport. Using controlled laboratory flume experiments, we systematically examine clustering dynamics for two particle types differing in size and density. To interpret the observed behaviour, we extend capillary-based clustering frameworks to open-channel flows by introducing a dimensionless clustering Weber number (We_cl) that captures the balance between the flow-induced disruptive force and capillary attraction, providing a compact description of the observed clustering behaviour. In addition, we demonstrate that secondary currents play a central role in surface particle transport, producing systematic lateral accumulation that depends on channel aspect ratio. Together, these findings extend capillary-driven clustering theory to open-channel turbulence and reveal secondary currents as a key mechanism controlling particle surface distributions. |
| format | Preprint |
| id |
arxiv_https___arxiv_org_abs_2601_20258 |
| institution | arXiv |
| publishDate | 2026 |
| record_format | arxiv |
| spellingShingle | Clustering and surface distributions of buoyant particles in open-channel flows Todorova, Ana Niven, Robert K. Kramer, Matthias Fluid Dynamics This study investigates the clustering behaviour and surface distributions of buoyant particles at the air-water interface in open-channel turbulent flow, focusing on the interplay between capillary attraction, hydrodynamic drag, and flow-driven lateral transport. Using controlled laboratory flume experiments, we systematically examine clustering dynamics for two particle types differing in size and density. To interpret the observed behaviour, we extend capillary-based clustering frameworks to open-channel flows by introducing a dimensionless clustering Weber number (We_cl) that captures the balance between the flow-induced disruptive force and capillary attraction, providing a compact description of the observed clustering behaviour. In addition, we demonstrate that secondary currents play a central role in surface particle transport, producing systematic lateral accumulation that depends on channel aspect ratio. Together, these findings extend capillary-driven clustering theory to open-channel turbulence and reveal secondary currents as a key mechanism controlling particle surface distributions. |
| title | Clustering and surface distributions of buoyant particles in open-channel flows |
| topic | Fluid Dynamics |
| url | https://arxiv.org/abs/2601.20258 |