3D description of particle detachment from a smooth surface

This study explores the necessary turbulent flow conditions for initial entrainment of particles from smooth beds into zero-mean-shear flow in an oscillating grid chamber as compared to the bounded shear flow created in a lid-driven cavity. The experiments are not designed to fully mimic the real problem of sediment transport but rather identify key mechanisms, utilizing direct observation and quantification of particle motion at the beginning, during and after lift-off. In both turbulent flows, particle image velocimetry (PIV) and three-dimensional particle tracking velocimetry (3D-PTV) are used to determine the properties of turbulent flows and to track the movement of individual particles through the various phases of the resuspension. The combination of the experimental methods allow to correlate in a quantitative manner the flow conditions responsible for rolling, pick-up, detachment and re-entrainment of particles.