Dynamics of two charged particles in viscous fluid at small Reynolds numbers

Abstract

In cooling systems of open-pool nuclear reactors contaminant particles and radionuclides move and interact with each other in the cooling fluid (e.g., water). Because of ionising radiation produced by the reactor, the particles may acquire electric charges. We study the interaction of two charged solid particles in viscous fluid. It is assumed that the particles move side by side under the influence of the buoyancy/gravity force, Coulomb electric force, and viscous drag force. The drag force consists of two components: the quasi-stationary Stokes drag force and Boussinesq–Basset drag force resulting from the unsteady motion. Governing equations are analysed analytically and numerically for an ideal-fluid approximation and then for the viscous fluid case.