Orientation focusing and stabilization of non-spherical particles in waves

We present results on the dynamics of non-spherical particles in a laboratory wave tank. We vary both the wave strength and particle mass density relative to the fluid. Consistent with our previous numerical and theoretical results, we find that waves tend to focus particle orientation over time. This effect is seen more readily in the neutrally buoyant case, whereas in the heavy particle case there is competition between the wave induced preferred orientation and the orientation which settling particles adopt in quiescent flow. Additionally, contrary to the point-particle inertia-less limit, we find that these finite-sized particles are now stable in the log rolling position in some cases.