Influence of Particle Anisotropy and Motility on Preferential Concentration in Turbulence

The simplest numerical framework to study turbulent particle dispersion assumes that particles can be modeled as point-like spheres brought about by the flow. In spite of its simplicity, this framework has led to significant advancements in the study of particle-turbulence interactions. In this paper we examine how particle dispersion in dilute turbulent suspensions changes when particles are non-spherical (elongated) and may actively move within the fluid (motile). In particular, we show how elongation and motility add to particle inertia to modulate preferential concentration. Results for particles suspended in wall-bounded turbulence are presented to highlight effects on wall accumulation and segregation, which represent the macroscopic manifestation of preferential concentration