Transition and self-sustained turbulence in dilute suspensions of finite-size particles

• DOI: 10.1016/j.taml.2015.04.004
• Publication Date: 2015-04-26T02:58:18Z
• Authors: I. Lashgari; F. Picano; L. Brandt
• Keywords: Suspension; Particle (ecology); Volume fraction; Laminar-turbulent transition

We study the transition to turbulence of channel flow finite-size particle suspensions at low volume fraction, i.e., Φ≈0.001. The critical Reynolds number above which is sustained reduces Re≈1675, in presence few particles, independently initial condition, a value lower than that corresponding single-phase flow, Re≈1775. In dilute suspension, arrangement particles important trigger fixed and fraction. As single phase flows, streamwise elongated disturbances are initially induced flow. If can induce oblique with high enough energy within certain time, streaks breakdown, experiences trajectories become chaotic. Otherwise, decay time immigrate towards core laminar