Motion Of Clusters Research Articles

Clustering and chaotic motion of heavy inertial particles in an isolated non-axisymmetric vortex

We investigate the dynamics of heavy inertial particles in a flow field due to an isolated, non-axisymmetric vortex. For our study, we consider a canonical elliptical vortex – the Kirchhoff vortex and its strained variant, the Kida vortex. Contrary to the anticipated centrifugal dispersion of inertial particles, which is typical in open vortical flows, we observe the clustering of particles around co-rotating attractors near the Kirchhoff vortex due to its non-axisymmetric nature. We analyse the inertia-modified stability characteristics of the fixed points, highlighting how some of the fixed points migrate in physical space, collide and then annihilate with increasing particle inertia. The introduction of external straining, the Kida vortex being an example, introduces chaotic tracer transport. Using a Melnikov analysis, we show that particle inertia and external straining can compete, where chaotic transport can be suppressed beyond a critical value of particle inertia.

Optomechanical motions of gold dimer’s spin, rotation and revolution manipulated by bessel beam

The optomechanical motion of a gold nanoparticle (GNP) dimer—a pair of optically bound GNPs—in fluid, manipulated by a Bessel beam, is theoretically studied using the multiple multipole (MMP) method. Since a Bessel beam possesses orbital angular momentum (OAM) and spin angular momentum (SAM) simultaneously, complicated rigid-body motions of the dimer can be induced. The mechanism involves the equilibrium between the optical force with the reactive drag force exerted by the fluid. Our results demonstrate that the dimer rotates around its center of mass (COM), while the COM performs an orbital revolution around the optical axis. Additionally, each individual GNP undergoes spinning. The directions of the GNPs’ spin and the orbital revolution of COM depend on the handedness and the order (topological charge) of Bessel beam, respectively. Nevertheless, the rotation direction of the dimer depends on the size of GNP. In the case of a smaller dimer, the direction of dimer’s rotation with respect to the COM is consistent with the handedness of the light. Conversely, a larger dimer performs a reverse rotation, accompanied by a precession during the orbital revolution. There are multiple turning points in the radius of the GNP for the alternating rotation of the dimer caused by positive or negative optical torque. Our finding may provide an insight to the optomechanical manipulation of optical vortexes on the motions of GNP clusters.

Hubble Space Telescope proper motions of Large Magellanic Cloud star clusters

We present proper motion (PM) measurements for a sample of 23 massive star clusters within the Large Magellanic Cloud using multi-epoch data from the Hubble Space Telescope (HST). We combined archival data from the ACS/WFC and WFC3/UVIS instruments with observations from a dedicated HST programme, resulting in time baselines between 4.7 and 18.2 yr available for PM determinations. For bright well-measured stars, we achieved nominal PM precisions of 55 μas yr−1 down to 11 μas yr−1. To demonstrate the potential and limitations of our PM data set, we analysed the cluster NGC 1850 and showcase a selection of different science applications. The precision of the PM measurements allows us to disentangle the kinematics of the various stellar populations that are present in the HST field. The cluster has a centre-of-mass motion that is different from the surrounding old field stars and also differs from the mean motion of a close-by group of very young stars. We determined the velocity dispersion of field stars to be 0.128 ± 0.003 mas yr−1 (corresponding to 30.3 ± 0.7 km s−1). The velocity dispersion of the cluster inferred from the PM data set most probably overestimates the true value, suggesting that the precision of the measurements at this stage is not sufficient for a reliable analysis of the internal kinematics of extra-galactic star clusters. Finally, we exploit the PM-cleaned catalogue of likely cluster members to determine any radial segregation between fast and slowly-rotating stars, finding that the former are more centrally concentrated. With this paper, we also release the astro-photometric catalogues for each cluster.

Numerical and experimental studies on the motion and deposition of collapsing rock clusters: Effect of rock particle sphericity

In this paper, a series of experimental and numerical tests are carried out to study the effect of rock particle sphericity on the motion and deposition of collapsing rock clusters. To this end, three kinds of typical rock particles with different sphericity (i.e., pebble, rubble and block) are used for experiments and a special laboratory setup that involves a chute with two inclined sections is designed to reproduce their natural motion. Then, a three-dimensional modelling of collapsing rock cluster incorporating rock particles with different sphericity is developed using spherical harmonics function reconstruction. The sphericity of particle effect on the motion and deposition of rock cluster is studied experimentally and numerically in terms of the average velocity and deposition zone. There has a good agreement between them. In addition, some potential factors such as rock particle size, cluster mass and component are investigated and discussed. The obtained results may facilitate the current knowledge on the dynamic behavior of collapsing rock clusters effect of particle sphericity.

Verification of acromion marker cluster and scapula spinal marker cluster methods for tracking shoulder kinematics: a comparative study with upright four-dimensional computed tomography

BackgroundThis study validated the accuracy of the acromion marker cluster (AMC) and scapula spinal marker cluster (SSMC) methods compared with upright four-dimensional computed tomography (4DCT) analysis.MethodsSixteen shoulders of eight healthy males underwent AMC and SSMC assessments. Active shoulder elevation was tracked using upright 4DCT and optical motion capture system. The scapulothoracic and glenohumeral rotation angles calculated from AMC and SSMC were compared with 4DCT. Additionally, the motion of these marker clusters on the skin with shoulder elevation was evaluated.ResultsThe average differences between AMC and 4DCT during 10°−140° of humerothoracic elevation were − 2.2° ± 7.5° in scapulothoracic upward rotation, 14.0° ± 7.4° in internal rotation, 6.5° ± 7.5° in posterior tilting, 3.7° ± 8.1° in glenohumeral elevation, − 8.3° ± 10.7° in external rotation, and − 8.6° ± 8.9° in anterior plane of elevation. The difference between AMC and 4DCT was significant at 120° of humerothoracic elevation in scapulothoracic upward rotation, 50° in internal rotation, 90° in posterior tilting, 120° in glenohumeral elevation, 100° in external rotation, and 100° in anterior plane of elevation. However, the average differences between SSMC and 4DCT were − 7.5 ± 7.7° in scapulothoracic upward rotation, 2.0° ± 7.0° in internal rotation, 2.3° ± 7.2° in posterior tilting, 8.8° ± 7.9° in glenohumeral elevation, 2.0° ± 9.1° in external rotation, and 1.9° ± 10.1° in anterior plane of elevation. The difference between SSMC and 4DCT was significant at 50° of humerothoracic elevation in scapulothoracic upward rotation and 60° in glenohumeral elevation, with no significant differences observed in other rotations. Skin motion was significantly smaller in AMC (28.7 ± 4.0 mm) than SSMC (38.6 ± 5.8 mm). Although there was smaller skin motion in AMC, SSMC exhibited smaller differences in scapulothoracic internal rotation, posterior tilting, glenohumeral external rotation, and anterior plane of elevation compared to 4DCT.ConclusionThis study demonstrates that AMC is more accurate for assessing scapulothoracic upward rotation and glenohumeral elevation, while SSMC is preferable for evaluating scapulothoracic internal rotation, posterior tilting, glenohumeral external rotation, and anterior plane of elevation, with smaller differences compared to 4DCT.

A multiscale dynamic model of cell–substrate interfaces

Cell–extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions play a pivotal role in many functions of cells, for example, sensing, signaling, migration, and gene expression. The spatial–temporal dynamic evolution of cell–substrate adhesions involves complicated mechano-bio-chemical coupling mechanisms of integrin, adaptor and signaling proteins, as well as the interplay between the cytoskeleton and ECM. In this paper, we establish a multiscale dynamic model of cell–substrate interfaces considering intermolecular force transmission pathways, i.e., intra- and extra-cellular bond dynamics, and mechanochemical coupling regulations. To illustrate its applications, this model is used to reproduce several adhesion-related experimental phenomena of cells, including substrate rigidity sensing, actin-assisted focal adhesion formation, and biphasic interface stress–actin speed relation. The results suggest that the cluster growth patterns are mediated by the intermolecular force transmission pathway and the actin flow speed, and that the integrin–ligand (IL) bond strengthening tends to inhibit the motion of clusters. We reveal that the monotonic-to-biphasic transition of force transmission and adhesion assembly is regulated by the bond rupture mechanosensitivity of integrin adhesion complexes (IACs). It is also demonstrated that this multiscale dynamic model can well describe the spatial–temporal evolutions of collective cell–substrate adhesions with the effects of actin flow and substrate deformation, and can also capture the morphological features of adhesion clusters and related interface force transmissions. This work provides a theoretical tool for studying mechano-biochemical mechanisms of cell–substrate interactions and for understanding various subcellular and cellular dynamic processes in, for example, tumors.

Is the RSGC4 (Alicante 8) Cluster a Real Star Cluster? Peculiar Radial Velocities of Red Supergiant Stars

Young massive star clusters, like the six red supergiant clusters in the Scutum complex, provide valuable insights into star formation and galaxy structures. We investigated the high-resolution near-infrared spectra of 60 RSG candidates in these clusters using the Immersion Grating Infrared Spectrograph. Among the candidates in RSGC4, we found significant scattering in radial velocity (−64 to 115 km s−1), unlike other clusters with velocities of ∼100 km s−1. Most candidates in RSGC4 have Q GK s values larger than 1.7, suggesting that they could be early AGB stars. Four candidates in RSGC4 exhibit infrared excess and distinct absorption features absent in other candidates. Two of these stars exhibit absorption lines resembling those of D-type symbiotic stars, showing radial velocity changes in multiepoch observations. Analysis of relative proper motions revealed no runaway/walkaway stars in RSGC4. The dynamic properties of RSGC4 and RSGC1 differ from the disklike motions of other clusters: RSGC4 has low normalized horizontal action J hor = J ϕ /J tot and vertical action J ver = (J z − J R)/J tot values and high eccentricities, while RSGC1 has vertical motions with high J ver values and inclinations. We propose that RSGC4 may not be a genuine star cluster but rather a composite of RSGs and AGB stars distributed along the line of sight at similar distances, possibly originating from various environments. Our results suggest a complex and hierarchical secular evolution of star clusters in the Scutum complex, emphasizing the importance of considering factors beyond density crowding when identifying star clusters in the bulge regions.

Radius evolution for the synchronous collapse of a circular vapor bubble cluster

The radius evolution for the synchronous collapse motion of a circular vapor bubble cluster in an ideal and infinite fluid is studied. With the assumption that all bubbles are evenly distributed around the circumference and have the same initial conditions, we establish the associated governing equation for this case from a modified Rayleigh–Plesset equation. The inverted analytical solution in the form of t=t(r) and analytical approximations in the form of r=r(t) for the radius evolution to the initial value problem of the dimensionless governing equation are derived. These novel analytical approximations extend the previous ones for a single bubble by adding the effects of surface tension and multiple bubbles. In addition, we point out that the analytical results and dynamic behaviors for multiple bubbles will degenerate into the corresponding ones for single bubbles when the radius of the bubble cluster approaches to infinity.

Clustering, rotation, and swirl of inertial particles in turbulent channel flow

Clustering dynamics of inertial particles in turbulent channel flow are studied via tessellation-based analysis of high-fidelity simulation data at Reτ≈230 with various values of mass loading (10%−100%) and the Stokes number (St+=[1−60]). We then characterise the solenoidal, rotational, and swirling motions of clusters by computing the probability density functions (PDFs) of the divergence, curl, and helicity of the particle velocity, as well as their dependence on wall-normal distance, using the methods of Oujia et al. (2020); Maurel–Oujia et al. (2023). Particle inertia gives heavier tails to the PDFs of divergence and curl, suggesting enhanced intermittency in the convergence/divergence of clusters, and in their rotational motions. The fluctuations of the divergence and curl are most intense in the buffer layer, due to the stronger fluctuations of fluid velocity there. Similarities are identified between the cluster dynamics in the logarithmic region and those in homogeneous isotropic turbulence, including the dependence of divergence, curl, and helicity on Stokes number. The effect of increasing mass loading on cluster dynamics is relatively small except in the viscous sublayer, where attenuation of clustering, rotation, and swirling motions are observed. The effect of increasing Stokes number on the viscous sublayer is different, resulting in more intense convergence/divergence and rotation of particle clusters, as the particles become more independent of the carrier fluid.

Steady-State Dynamics of Ganglia Populations During Immiscible Two-Phase Flows in Porous Micromodels: Effects of the Capillary Number and Flow Ratio on Effective Rheology and Size Distributions

We study experimentally the flow of non-wetting ganglia during the co-injection of n-heptane and water in a predominantly 2D PMMA micromodel, which is constructed based on a stochastic digital algorithm. The dynamics of the phase distribution patterns are recorded optically and post-processed using cluster identification and motion tracking algorithms in order to study the characteristics and the interactions between the mobile and stranded ganglia populations. We focus primarily on the effects of the capillary number (Ca) and the ratio of the injection flow rates (Q) on the observed ganglia size distributions and the effective two-phase rheology. Our experimental setup allows for the study of ganglia fragmentation and coalescence dynamics over five orders of magnitude (in terms ganglia sizes), thus offering novel physical insight on the pore-scale characteristics of different ganglia populations and on how their interactions determine the relative permeability of the non-wetting phase. We demonstrate that the rates of ganglia fragmentation and coalescence intensify at higher Ca values, as viscous forces become dominant over capillary ones, leading to a log-normal size distribution that shifts toward smaller mean values. This effect is directly correlated with the emergence of new flow paths that develop progressively through narrower pores-throats, where the continuous wetting phase sweeps ganglia with sizes smaller than the mean pore-throat diameter. These flow paths further contribute to the Darcy scale velocity of the non-wetting phase, thus leading to a power-law Darcian regime at intermediate Ca values with a scaling exponent that is found to be a function of Q.

Constraining the Milky Way Dynamic Mass and Newtonian Gravity through the Proper Motion of Messier’s Globular Clusters

The estimation of the proper motion of globular clusters is presented from the oldest observations of Messier's Globular clusters, comparing with NASA-NED and GAIA. The period-distance relationship, without assuming Dark matter models, allows us to limit the dynamic mass of the Milky Way and the invalidity of the Keplerian movement of Globular Clusters. The best fitting data are 14 2.3 0.3210 ± M for the dynamical mass, and β ≅ −5 3 in agreement with the generalization of the Virial Theorem in large-scale modified Newtonian gravity models.

Phase behaviour and dynamics of three-dimensional active dumbbell systems.

We present a comprehensive numerical study of the phase behavior and dynamics of a three-dimensional active dumbbell system with attractive interactions. We demonstrate that attraction is essential for the system to exhibit nontrivial phases. We construct a detailed phase diagram by exploring the effects of the system's activity, density, and attraction strength. We identify several distinct phases, including a disordered, a gel, and a completely phase-separated phase. Additionally, we discover a novel dynamical phase, that we name percolating network, which is characterized by the presence of a spanning network of connected dumbbells. In the phase-separated phase we characterize numerically and describe analytically the helical motion of the dense cluster.

Study of electro-migration and capture of particles by a charged pendant droplet

To understand the particle scavenging mechanisms by charged droplets in air cleaning technologies, we investigate the phenomena of non-incorporation/non-attachment and return/rebound of airborne particles/clusters upon impacting charged droplets. Using high-speed imaging, the motion and fate of particles and clusters lifted from a surface and colliding with a stationary droplet suspended from an electrified needle are examined in detail. Aggregates of glass beads and carbon particles are employed to explore how material characteristics, such as hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity, conductivity, and dielectric constant, influence their capture by the droplet. Analysis of observed cluster trajectories along with numerical modelling has been carried out to provide insights into their charges and velocities. DC and AC electric field experiments unequivocally demonstrate that the Faradaic induction mechanism at both the ground and droplet surfaces causes the acquisition or reversal of particle charges. The migration of particles and clusters is predominantly governed by Coulombic force, not dielectrophoretic force (DEP). Hydrophobic carbon particle clusters with high conductivity exhibit increased rebound/non-incorporation from the droplet, whereas hydrophilic glass beads with low conductivity do not show significant rebound and readily integrate into the droplet. The study demonstrates that (i) particles deposited on surfaces suffer resuspension and (ii) the capture of particles striking a charged droplet surface may not take place universally but could have a strong dependence on the chemical and material nature of the particles. Although the study is based on aggregated clusters and not on individual particles, it opens up avenues for future research using smaller particles and droplet systems relevant to air-cleaning applications.

Theoretical aspects of the genesis of composites: Dependence of properties on the history of formation

AbstractStudies of the last decades have brought the results of modern natural science into technology of composite materials of the widest range. The methods of percolation theory have become constructive tools for studying the structure of composites, for the purposeful creation of materials with desired properties. In this paper, a computer model of the processes of self‐organization of percolation clusters has been created. The model considers such problems with self‐organization, in which the properties of a percolation cluster are also determined by the history of the system's development. To study the structure and properties of such systems, a three‐dimensional continuum percolation problem with interacting elements is solved in the model. Iterative algorithms for the motion and interaction of particles and clusters, leading to the formation of percolation systems, have been developed. Their structure and properties have been studied, a number of standard parameters have been calculated, and the dependence of the structure and properties of clusters on the rate of system generation, degree of self‐organization, and characteristic values of the correlation length has been studied; analytical dependences of a number of parameters of percolation systems are obtained.

Infrared spectra of TiO2 clusters for hot Jupiter atmospheres

Context. Clouds appear to be an unavoidable phenomenon in cool and dense environments. Hence, their inclusion is a necessary part of explaining observations of exoplanet atmospheres, most recently those of WASP 96b with the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). Understanding the formation of cloud condensation nuclei in non-terrestrial environments is therefore crucial in developing accurate models to interpret current and future observations. Aims. The goal of the paper is to support observations with infrared spectra for (TiO2)N clusters to study cloud formation in exoplanet atmospheres. Methods. We derived vibrational frequencies from quantum-chemical calculations for 123 (TiO2)-clusters and their isomers and we evaluated their line-broadening mechanisms. Cluster spectra were calculated for several atmospheric levels for two example exoplanet atmospheres (WASP 121b-like and WASP 96b-like) to identify possible spectral fingerprints for cloud formation. Results. The rotational motion of clusters and the rotational transitions within them cause significant line broadening, so that individual vibrational lines are broadened beyond the spectral resolution of the medium-resolution mode of the JWST mid-infrared instrument (MIRI) at R = 3000. However, each individual cluster isomer exhibits a ‘fingerprint’ IR spectrum. In particular, larger (TiO2) clusters have distinctly different spectra from smaller clusters. The morning and evening terminator for the same planet can exhibit different total absorbances, due to the greater abundance of different cluster sizes. Conclusions. The largest (TiO2) clusters are not necessarily the most abundant (TiO2) clusters in the high-altitude regions of ultra-hot Jupiters and the different cluster isomers do contribute to the local absorbance. Planets with a considerable day-night asymmetry will be most suitable in the search for (TiO2) cluster isomers with the goal of improving cloud formation modelling.

Experimental exploration of particle cluster characteristics in the gas-solid diameter-varying fluidized bed

Particle cluster motions play a significant role in the gas-solid suspension flow. In this work, systematical experiments were carried out to deeply reveal the complex mechanisms of cluster motion in the diameter-varying riser. Based on the instantaneous solid concentration fluctuations, cluster dynamic parameters characterizing cluster motions were obtained and analyzed. Compared to the traditional riser, cluster parameters tend to show a clear monotonic change with operating conditions in the diameter-varying riser. Cluster dynamic parameters increase along the radial direction but decrease with the height of the bed. Additionally, cluster motion is more affected by operating conditions and spatial placements near the wall region than in the center region. A comparison between the enlarged and the straight segments shows that cluster motion intensifies in the enlarged section under the texted conditions. Finally, an improved cluster holdup model, appropriate for the diameter-varying riser, was developed.

A Numerical Simulation of Multiple‐Droplet Coalescence Characteristics under an Electric Field

AbstractA phase field method based on the Cahn‐Hilliard equation was used to establish a numerical model for the motion and coalescence of multiple droplets under an electric field. The influencing factors of the droplet coalescence rate, velocity field and pressure field distributions, and droplet cluster motion and coalescence were investigated. The observations showed that the dynamic behaviors of droplets under the action of the electric field can be characterized as not coming together, coalescence, and breakup after coalescence. High‐speed (low‐speed) and high‐pressure (low‐pressure) regions are generated inside the droplet or near the interface under the action of the electric field, and the size, number, and location of these regions change over time. The results of this study offer an essential guide for developing new electrostatic coalescers.

A Novel UAV-Assisted Multi-Mobility Channel Model for Urban Transportation Emergency Communications

With the increasing requirements for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) communication in various application scenarios, the UAV-assisted emergency communication in urban transportation scenario has received great attention. In this paper, a novel UAV-assisted UAV-to-vehicle (U2V) geometry-based stochastic model (GBSM) for the urban traffic communication scenario is proposed. The three-dimensional (3D) multi-mobilities of the transmitter (Tx), receiver (Rx), and clusters are considered by introducing the time-variant acceleration and velocity correspondingly. The velocity variation of the clusters is used to simulate the motion of vehicles around the Rx. Moreover, to describe the vehicles’ moving states, Markov chain is adopted to analyze the changes in cluster motion states, including survival, death, dynamic, and static states. By adjusting the scenario-specific parameters, such as the vehicle density (ρ) and dynamic–static ratio (Ω), the model can support various urban traffic scenarios. Based on the proposed model, several key statistical properties, namely the root mean square (RMS) delay spread, temporal autocorrelation function (ACF), level-crossing rate (LCR), power delay profile (PDP), and stationary interval, under different clusters and antenna accelerations are obtained and analyzed. The accuracy of the proposed model is verified by the measured data. The results demonstrate the usability of our model, which can be provided as a reference for the design, evaluation, and optimization of future communication networks between UAV and vehicles in urban transportation emergency communications.

Galaxy cluster rotation revealed in the MACSIS simulations with the kinetic Sunyaev–Zeldovich effect

ABSTRACT The kinetic Sunyaev–Zeldovich (kSZ) effect has now become a clear target for ongoing and future studies of the cosmic microwave background (CMB) and cosmology. Aside from the bulk cluster motion, internal motions also lead to a kSZ signal. In this work, we study the rotational kSZ effect caused by coherent large-scale motions of the cluster medium using cluster hydrodynamic cosmological simulations. To utilize the rotational kSZ as a cosmological probe, simulations offer some of the most comprehensive data sets that can inform the modelling of this signal. In this work, we use the MACSIS data set to investigate the rotational kSZ effect in massive clusters specifically. Based on these models, we test stacking approaches and estimate the amplitude of the combined signal with varying mass, dynamical state, redshift, and map-alignment geometry. We find that the dark matter, galaxy and gas spins are generally misaligned, an effect that can cause a suboptimal estimation of the rotational kSZ effect when based on galaxy motions. Furthermore, we provide halo-spin–mass scaling relations that can be used to build a statistical model of the rotational kSZ. The rotational kSZ contribution, which is largest in massive unrelaxed clusters (≳100 $\mu$K), could be relevant to studies of higher order CMB temperature signals, such as the moving lens effect. The limited mass range of the MACSIS sample strongly motivates an extended investigation of the rotational kSZ effect in large-volume simulations to refine the modelling, particularly towards lower mass and higher redshift, and provide forecasts for upcoming cosmological CMB experiments (e.g. Simons Observatory, SKA-2) and X-ray observations (e.g. Athena/X-IFU).

Dynamics and interactions of Quincke roller clusters: From orbits and flips to excited states.

Active matter systems may be characterized by the conversion of energy into active motion, e.g., the self-propulsion of microorganisms. Artificial active colloids form models that exhibit essential properties of more complex biological systems but are amenable to laboratory experiments. While most experimental models consist of spheres, active particles of different shapes are less understood. Furthermore, interactions between these anisotropic active colloids are even less explored. Here, we investigate the motion of active colloidal clusters and the interactions between them. We focus on self-assembled dumbbells and trimers powered by an external dc electric field. For dumbbells, we observe an activity-dependent behavior of spinning, circular, and orbital motions. Moreover, collisions between dumbbells lead to the hierarchical self-assembly of tetramers and hexamers, both of which form rotational excited states. On the other hand, trimers exhibit flipping motion that leads to trajectories reminiscent of a honeycomb lattice.