Migration of particles in a Couette device in suspensions having a continuous size distribution profile
Phys. Rev. Fluids 10, 074301 – Published 1 July, 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/nfcw-mc17
Abstract
A unique approach to study the shear-induced migration of particles in suspensions with continuous particle-size distribution is facilitated by addressing the migration of moments of the size distribution. In this approach, fluxed moments replace fluxes of particles of particular sizes. In the present work, we study the stationary profiles of particle concentration and size distribution that result from fluxes of moments when sheared in a Couette device. The method can be applied to any suspension with a given size distribution profile, and the important physical properties can be inferred from stationary profiles of moments for any particular case. The migration in a Couette cell is described and demonstrated for a particular Gaussian size distribution profile. Results include concentration inhomogeneity, distribution of moments, and the consequent stationary continuous particle-size distributions. We present stationary physical flow parameters, including effective viscosity, change of maximum particle concentration, shear rate and velocity profiles, and the change in the torque required to maintain the rotation.