Hydrodynamic crystals: collective dynamics of regular arrays of spherical particles in a parallel-wall channel

TL;DR

This study uses advanced simulations to explore how regular arrays of spherical particles move collectively in a confined fluid, revealing wave propagation, lattice deformation, and defect dynamics.

Contribution

It introduces a novel accelerated Stokesian-dynamics algorithm based on Hele-Shaw flow asymptotics for efficient simulation of particle arrays in confined geometries.

Findings

Propagation of particle-displacement waves

Deformation and rearrangements of particle lattices

Propagation of dislocation defects and coexistence of order and disorder

Abstract

Simulations of over $10^3$ hydrodynamically coupled solid spheres are performed to investigate collective motion of linear trains and regular square arrays of particles suspended in a fluid bounded by two parallel walls. Our novel accelerated Stokesian-dynamics algorithm relies on simplifications associated with the Hele--Shaw asymptotic far-field form of the flow scattered by the particles. The simulations reveal propagation of particle-displacement waves, deformation and rearrangements of a particle lattice, propagation of dislocation defects in ordered arrays, and long-lasting coexistence of ordered and disordered regions.