Microgravity experiments investigating the behavior of inertial particles in turbulent flows

The dynamics of inertial particles in turbulent flows involve multiple intertwined physical factors, including gravity-induced particle settling and particle-turbulence interactions. By studying particle-laden turbulent flows in a microgravity environment, the effects of particle-turbulence interactions can be isolated from gravity-related effects.

To facilitate this investigation, a dedicated experimental setup capable of generating nearly homogeneous and isotropic turbulence (HIT) using the interaction of eight water jets within a cylindrical water tank was built. The 3D trajectories of particles inside the tank is tracked using a three-camera Particle Tracking Velocimetry (PTV) system. This experimental apparatus was specifically designed to fit within the Dryden Drop Tower at Portland State University, where 2.1 seconds of microgravity can be achieved.

During this presentation, experimental findings regarding the Lagrangian dynamics of particles in microgravity will be discussed.