Full Rotational Dynamics of Plastic Microfibers in Turbulence
Vlad Giurgiu, Giuseppe Carlo Alp Caridi, Marco De Paoli, Alfredo Soldati
Abstract
The motion, settling, and dispersion of microplastics in the ocean are determined by their rotational dynamics. We present experiments on elongated, large aspect ratio, and mildly curved plastic fibers slightly longer than the Kolmogorov length scale. Exploiting their uniquely identifiable three-dimensional orientation, we perform original optical Lagrangian investigations and provide a set of homogeneous data on their rotation rates around their longitudinal axis: spinning rate, and transversal axes: tumbling rates, which we explain in the context of the general features of turbulence.
Topics & Concepts
TurbulenceRotation (mathematics)MicroplasticsContext (archaeology)PhysicsOrientation (vector space)MechanicsMicrofiberSpinningRotation around a fixed axisDynamics (music)Classical mechanicsSettlingKinematicsOpticsMaterials scienceGeometryAcousticsMathematicsThermodynamicsChemistryBiologyComposite materialEnvironmental chemistryPaleontologyParticle Dynamics in Fluid FlowsFluid Dynamics and Turbulent FlowsExperimental and Theoretical Physics Studies