Maximum inclination path for laminar settling of axisymmetric particles in viscous fluids

Previous researchers' asymptotic results stating that a settling long axisymmetric body can deviate from the vertical by a maximum angle of γmax = 19.5° is generalized, and corresponding relations are found for settling prolate and oblate spheroid particles of arbitrary aspect ratios. Also, a formula for maximum inclination paths for a particle settling in a rotating vessel is derived. The presented formulas can be used in addressing the problem of hydrodynamic separation of particles or macromolecules of different shapes.

Duke Scholars

Author Zbigniew J. Kabala Civil and Environmental Engineering