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	25 May 2016
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	The University of Manchester
Supervisor	Thomas Mullin (Main Supervisor)