Periodic Particle Clustering in Narrow Channel Flow

This project involved a preliminary investigation of the periodic clustering of particles in narrow channels under thin film flow. Motivated by particle clustering in runoff after a storm, we constructed an experiment to observe particle clustering behavior. The particle size is comparable to channel width. The channel can be varied in width and angle of inclination. Flow rate can also be varied. Preliminary results indicate that clustering wavelength is proportional to Inclination Angle, and that clustering only occurs for particle densities above a critical density. Detailed results require further investigation.