Viscous flow in multiparticle systems: Motion of spheres and a fluid in a cylindrical tube

Abstract

Abstract An approximate theory for the behavior of multiparticle systems suspended in a viscous fluid is developed, based on a rigorous treatment for the case of a single sphere occupying any position in a cylindrical tube. The results obtained include estimates of the effect of some of the parameters involved on the particle velocities and spatial distribution of particles in very dilute sedimenting and fluidized beds as well as on the pressure drop resulting from passage of fluid. The conclusions presented are in agreement with such experimental data as are available and suggest a basis for more exact treatment of these systems.