In particle-laden flows the increased bulk fluid density due to the suspended particles gives rise to buoyance forces. These forces can lead to particle-driven flows, which I have studied in various laboratory experiments. When the particle-laden fluid flows into a fluid with a density stratification, an intrusion is formed. I have investigated intrusions into a two-layer stratification, as well as into a continuous stratification.
To study in more detail the sedimentation of particles from these particle-laden flows, I have developed a new technique to measure the changes in sediment layer thickness: the 'depositometer'. The first application of this technique was to particle-laden currents along a rigid boundary, which yielded very interesting results on the instantaneous deposition under the current. I am currently applying this technique to experiments on a laboratory model of a sedimentation tank.
In the context of this research project I organised a
one-day workshop in 1997, and this led to the special particle-driven
flows home page.