Particle-laden viscous thin-film flows on an incline: Experiments compared with a theory based on shear-induced migration and particle settling

Particle settling in driven viscous films is a complex physical process involving different physical effects. A recent analysis by Cook (2008) [10] has identified a balance between hindered settling and shear-induced migration as the dominant large scale physics for particle/liquid separation. However, experimental data for this has been lacking. This paper presents new data including the role of particle size and liquid viscosity showing clear agreement with the theory. We discuss the role of timescales in the dynamics of the experiment and present results from a dynamic model.

► New experimental results for particle settling in inclined films. ► Confirms theory balancing shear-induced migration with hindered settling. ► Results suggest the role of timescales in the dynamics. ► The preliminary dynamic model is discussed.