Sedimentation from surface currents generated by particle-laden jets

In this paper, we develop a theoretical model for the dynamics and deposition patterns from surface currents generated by axisymmetric particle-laden jets. Our model incorporates the interaction between the particles in the environment and the continuing jet. We show that this interaction plays a central role in the evolution of the behaviour of the jet and on the sedimentation patterns on the surrounding floor, We consider surface currents generated by the impingement of the turbulent jet on both a free surface and on a solid surface. Our theoretical predictions are successfully compared with data from laboratory experiments. For the case of a jet impinging-on a free surface, we also examine the evolution of the concentration of particles in the environment and in the surface current until steady state is attained. Finally, we propose a simple analytical expression for the sedimentation rate on the floor in the case of a dilute jet. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.