A comparison of the results of two methods for computing the sedimentation behavior of bidisperse suspensions

Continuum and particle-based methods are outlined and their features are contrasted. The latter method is well suited to simulate small-scale laboratory experiments because the same number of particles can be used. The behavior of the suspension is determined by calculating the positions of all of the individual particles. Using initial solids concentrations expected to lead to a concentration gradient in a bidisperse suspension of rigid spheres, the two methods agreed almost exactly on its propagation and on the solids profiles at various times. Finally, factors influencing the appearance or nonappearance of concentration gradients are discussed.