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Particle Dynamics near Fluid Interfaces in Low-Reynolds Number Flows

Citation

Stoos, James Arthur (1988) Particle Dynamics near Fluid Interfaces in Low-Reynolds Number Flows. Dissertation (Ph.D.), California Institute of Technology. doi:10.7907/bdpc-8734. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechETD:etd-02022007-110333

Abstract

Numerical solutions for the creeping motion of a spherical particle in a linear axisymmetric straining flow normal to a deformable interface are presented for a range of viscosity ratios, capillary numbers and Bond numbers. The parameter ranges investigated have applications in areas of flotation (small interface deformation) and material processing (large interface deformation). The accuracy of previous solutions for flotation problems, which neglect interface deformation is considered, along with the magnitude and form of interface deformation "defects" that may appear in material processing applications involving fluids containing bubbles or small particles.

Numerical solutions for the equilibrium particle-interface configuration for a neutrally buoyant spherical particle contacting a deformable fluid/gas interface in a linear axisymmetric straining flow at low Reynolds number are presented for a range of contact angles and capillary numbers. These solutions may have applications both in flotation separation processes and in contact angle and surface tension measurement. In addition, the accuracy of simply combining previous results for particle detachment due to particle buoyancy with the results for particle detachment due to viscous forces is considered. The equilibrium configuration is especially sensitive to the inclusion of a small amount of flow for small contact angles and for capillary numbers near the critical capillary number.

Trajectories of small spherical particles around a spherical drop (bubble and solid) are calculated from an approximate solution employing a matched asymptotic expansion. Viscous interaction is seen to have a large effect on the trajectory around a solid collector and a small effect on the trajectory around a bubble. Previous solutions are found to be in error in their prediction of an increase in the capture efficiency because of viscous interactions; the capture efficiency decreases significantly in this case.

Finally, the trajectories of particles around bubbles and the capture of particles by bubbles is investigated experimentally.

Item Type:Thesis (Dissertation (Ph.D.))
Subject Keywords:Chemical Engineering
Degree Grantor:California Institute of Technology
Division:Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
Major Option:Chemical Engineering
Thesis Availability:Public (worldwide access)
Research Advisor(s):
  • Leal, L. Gary
Thesis Committee:
  • Leal, L. Gary (chair)
  • Brady, John F.
  • Shair, Fredrick H.
  • Herbolzheimer, Eric
Defense Date:24 September 1987
Funders:
Funding AgencyGrant Number
Weyerhauser CorporationUNSPECIFIED
Chevron CorporationUNSPECIFIED
Record Number:CaltechETD:etd-02022007-110333
Persistent URL:https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechETD:etd-02022007-110333
DOI:10.7907/bdpc-8734
Default Usage Policy:No commercial reproduction, distribution, display or performance rights in this work are provided.
ID Code:465
Collection:CaltechTHESIS
Deposited By: Imported from ETD-db
Deposited On:16 Feb 2007
Last Modified:16 Apr 2021 22:29

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