Particle speed distribution measurement in an electric particulate suspension

Particle speed distribution has been measured in an electric particulate suspension by leaking spherical copper particles (44-53 μm, 63-75 μm, and 105-125 μm) from a small hole located on top of the suspension test section. Different ranges of particle speeds are determined by capturing the particles on epoxy-coated glass slides which are placed at various heights above the sampling hole. Curve fits of the experimental data suggest that a Maxwellian speed distribution applies to the particle motion in the direction of the applied electric field. Calculations based on this speed distribution lead to the particle number density of the suspension. An independent check on the particle number density is provided by a laser beam attenuation measurement. Agreement is found between the two methods within the limits of experimental error