Particle resuspension from a flow-induced fluttering flexible substrate

Abstract

Resuspension of spherical particles from a flow-induced fluttering, partially free, flexible substrate was experimentally studied. The effects of the flow-induced flutter on the particle resuspension, and the underlying mechanisms initiating the particle resuspension in the fluttering substrate case, were quantitatively illustrated by comparing with the fixed substrate case. The results show that the flow-induced flutter of the substrate remarkably enhanced the particle resuspension and greatly reduced the threshold velocity. A force caused by the fluttering acceleration of the substrate was identified as an important factor enhancing the particle resuspension. The existence of a significant flutter-induced aerodynamic force/moment enhancement acting on the particles was demonstrated, and it was another necessary factor promoting the particle resuspension. This paper not only reveals the phenomenon of particle resuspension by the flow-induced flutter of the flexible substrate, but also provides useful information for facilitating or preventing the particle resuspension in the industrial and environmental fields.