Free movement of a near-wall particle in fluid of comparable density

The fundamental problem of nonlinear interaction between a freely moving particle and surrounding fluid flow is investigated for a density ratio of order unity, with potential applications to biomedical, environmental, and aerodynamic configurations. The interaction takes place near a fixed wall, with the particle being relatively thin. A mathematical model is presented, showing the fluid pressure forces to be dominant over the mass-acceleration effects in the particle motion (in contrast with previous analyses). The added mass due to the fluid motion, thus, greatly exceeds the body mass. Numerical simulations and asymptotic analysis reveal a range of possible particle motions. The main properties emerging are: (a) the distinction between collisions with the wall and fly-away responses; (b) the time scales involved in such behaviors; (c) the pressures and velocities induced at collision; (d) the occurrence of flow reversal in certain cases; and (e) the results being independent of the particle mass and moment of inertia as well as independent of the density ratio provided that the ratio is of order unity (0-7, say) or only slightly larger (8-30, say).