Clogging of Noncohesive Suspension Flows

Abstract

When flowing through narrow channels or constrictions, many-body systems exhibit various flowing patterns, yet they can also get stuck. In many of these systems, the flowing elements remain as individuals (they do not aggregate or merge), sharing strong analogies among each other. This is the case for systems as contrasting as grains in a silo and pedestrians passing through tight spaces. Interestingly, when these entities flow within a fluid medium, numerous similarities persist. However, the fluid dynamics aspects of such clogging events, such as interstitial flow, liquid pressure, and hydrodynamic interactions, has only recently begun to be explored. In this review, we describe parallels with dry granular clogging and extensively analyze phenomena emerging when particles coexist with fluid in the system. We discuss the influence of diverse flow drive, particle propulsion mechanisms, and particle characteristics, and we conclude with examples from nature.