Physics Informed Stochastic Model for the Residence of Solid Particles in Turbulent Rayleigh-Benard Flow

The Pi Chamber, located at Michigan Technological University, generates moist turbulent Rayleigh-

Benard flow in order to generate steady-state cloud conditions. We take inspiration from this setup in

order to create a particle-laden, convectively-driven turbulent environment. The use of direct numerical

simulation (DNS) coupled with Lagrangian particles allows us to track individual droplet trajectories and

record Lagrangian statistics throughout their lifetimes. In particular, we are interested in developing a

meaningful framework to describe the behavior of solid, isothermal particles. This conceptual stochastic

model takes advantage of the repeated trips particles take between the top and bottom boundaries, driven

by the convective cells naturally occurring in Rayleigh-Benard turbulence. By describing the time required

to complete one of these trips, as well as the likelihood of falling out to the bottom boundary after each

trip, we can create a conceptual picture for particle behavior. We investigate varying Stokes numbers and

settling velocities in order to shed light on the independent roles that gravity and inertia play in governing

particle behavior.