Shear-induced particle resuspension in settling polydisperse concentrated suspension

A phenomenological model describing the resuspension of polydisperse suspen sion in shear flow is presented. The model combines mechanisms of hindered sedimentation and shear-induced particle migration. The latter is expressed in terms of migration potentials for mono and polydisperse mixtures. The c alculated results agree well with available experimental observations. It p redicts the rise and location,of the suspension upper surface, the separati on of species:in the suspension and the location and sharpness of interface s between species. It can be used to analyze the flow of concentrated polyd isperse suspensions under gravity in complex geometries and to predict macr oscopic properties associated with these flows. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science L td. All rights reserved.