Scale-similar clustering of heavy particles in the inertial range of turbulence

Heavy Particle Clustering in Inertial Subrange of High-Reynolds Number Turbulence

Direct numerical simulation of homogeneous isotropic turbulence shows pronounced clustering of inertial particles in the inertial subrange at high Reynolds number, in addition to the clustering typically observed in the near dissipation range. The clustering in the inertial subrange is characterized by the bump in the particle number density spectra and is due to modulation of preferential concentration. The number density spectrum can be modeled by a rational function of the scale-dependent Stokes number.

Clustering and self-organization in small-scale natural and artificial systems

Physical properties of clusters, i.e. systems composed of a 'small' number of particles, are qualitatively different from those of infinite systems. The general approach to the problem of clustering is suggested. Clusters, as they are seen in the graphs theory, are discussed. Various physical mechanisms of clustering are reviewed. Dimensional properties of clusters are addressed. The dimensionality of clusters governs to a great extent their properties. Weakly and strongly coupled clusters are discussed. Hydrodynamic and capillary interactions giving rise to clusters formation are surveyed. Levitating droplet clusters, turbulent clusters and droplet clusters responsible for the breath-figures self-assembly are considered. Entropy factors influencing clustering are considered. Clustering in biological systems results in non-equilibrium multi-scale assembly, where at each scale, self-driven components come together by consuming energy in order to form the hierarchical structure. This article is part of the theme issue 'Bioinspired materials and surfaces for green science and technology (part 3)'.