An experimental Study on the Motion and Fixed Points of a Light Sphere in a Stokes' Flow

Abstract

A single light sphere is placed inside of a drum completely filled with a viscous fluid. the drum rotates perpendicular to gravity such that the Reynolds number remains small.In this flow configuration there is a wide range of behaviours.We have measured eccentric fixed points, circular orbits and asymmetric orbits by the walls of the drum.A full description of these phenomena is given as a function of the size of the sphere.We have also studied the case of a porous sphere and compared it the solid case.Finally we have studied the effect of roughness on this system.

Date of Award	1 Aug 2016
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	The University of Manchester
Supervisor	Thomas Mullin (Supervisor)