Collaborative Research: Cohesive Immersed Granular Flows: Multiscale Experiments and Particle-Resolved Modeling

NSF Award Search · 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT · $329,956 · view on nsf.gov ↗

Abstract

Immersed granular materials such as river and seabed sediments and industrial slurries consist of small particles dispersed in a liquid. When these particles stick together, the bulk behavior of the slurry becomes highly complex. These cohesive effects determine whether a riverbed erodes, a coastal slope collapses, or an industrial process is successful. Despite its importance, predicting the bulk behavior of cohesive immersed grains is difficult. This project addresses the challenge of predicting how microscopic adhesive forces between individual particles control the large-scale flow of immersed cohesive granular materials. The resulting knowledge will help improve models for underwater sediment transport, water treatment facilities, and industrial slurries. The project will combine a novel laboratory approach, utilizing controllable "sandcastle-like" bonds between particles with advanced particle-resolved numerical simulations that connect the particle and bulk scales. The project also includes a strong educational component that will provide research and training opportunities for high-school, undergraduate, and graduate students to develop the next-generation scientific workforce. The goal of this project is to develop a quantitative framework connecting particle-level cohesion to the macroscopic flow and rheology of immersed granular materials. The project will integrate laboratory experiments with particle-resolved numerical simulations. The experiments will directl

Key facts

NSF award ID
2533460
Awardee
University of Maryland, College Park (MD)
SAM.gov UEI
NPU8ULVAAS23
PI
Alban O Sauret
Primary program
01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
All programs
—
Estimated total
$329,956
Funds obligated
$329,956
Transaction type
Standard Grant
Period
10/01/2025 → 09/30/2028