Physics Student Research
Document Type
Article
Journal/Book Title/Conference
Physics of Fluids
Author ORCID Identifier
Ahmad Talaei https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4603-5666
Timothy J. Garrett https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9277-8773
Volume
37
Issue
6
Publisher
AIP Publishing LLC
Publication Date
6-9-2025
Journal Article Version
Accepted Manuscript
First Page
1
Last Page
12
Abstract
The accurate modeling of particle motion in viscous fluids at high Reynolds numbers remains a fundamental challenge, particularly under unsteady flow conditions where nonlinear effects dominate. This study introduces a revised unsteady drag formulation, extending its applicability beyond previous studies. By integrating classical solutions of the Navier–Stokes equations, the new formulation overcomes the limitations of the Maxey–Riley–Gatignol (MRG) equation, addressing non-physical memory effects associated with Basset drag and extending its applicability to higher Reynolds numbers.
Through experimental comparisons and direct numerical simulations (DNS), the revised equation of motion is compared to the MRG equation, both during steady-state conditions and non-equilibrium transitions. The revised formulation exhibits consistency with observations across a board range of Reynolds numbers. Furthermore, the DNS of particle-laden turbulence reveals enhanced clustering and collision–coalescence dynamics when using the revised drag force, emphasizing the formulation's capability to capture particle interactions in turbulent flows.
These findings provide critical insights into atmospheric and hydrodynamic applications, advancing our understanding of droplets settling, clustering, and growth in turbulent environments. The proposed framework holds potential for improving predictions in climate models, sediment transport, and other fields reliant on accurate particle dynamics.
Recommended Citation
Ahmad Talaei, Timothy J. Garrett; Revised unsteady drag force and its impact on particle dynamics at high Reynolds numbers. Physics of Fluids 1 June 2025; 37 (6): 067121. https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0264261
Comments
This article may be downloaded for personal use only. Any other use requires prior permission of the author and AIP Publishing. This article appeared in Ahmad Talaei, Timothy J. Garrett; Revised unsteady drag force and its impact on particle dynamics at high Reynolds numbers. Physics of Fluids 1 June 2025; 37 (6): 067121. https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0264261 and may be found at https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0264261 .