A Proposed Solution for the Settling Velocity of Coplanar Aggregates of Identical Spheres in Creeping Motion.

This paper derives a solution for the settling velocity of isolated coplanar aggregates of n identical spherical particles in creeping motion based on the Wall Shear-Pressure Gradient-Expansion model (WPE) previously derived by the author. The solution is reached by developing geometry-equilibrium mathematical constructs to decide on the dimensions of the free ambient expansions surrounding the aggregates to compute the entire velocity profile. A rational to decide on the orientation and stability of rotation is also proposed. The results compare well with the outcome of available theory and some relevant data sets.

Keywords:

Doublet , Triplet , Settling velocity , Expansion , Spherical aggregates , Wall shear , non spherical particles , Pressure gradient