Abstract
Particle flow occurs in systems where solid particles move relative to a surrounding gas or liquid phase, impacting various applications such as blood circulation and sand flow through porous media. In gap-graded soil, the suffusion mechanism involves fine particles moving due to fluid advection, affecting soil strength and stability. Factors like particle concentration, shape, grain size distribution, and confining pressure influence suffusion, primarily studied macroscopically. Most research focuses on macroscopic scales, where particle flow clusters and clogging are significant. This study employs a two-dimensional experiment to investigate microscopic particle concentration effects, aiming for a comprehensive understanding of suffusion. By examining particle clusters flowing through gaps in soil skeletons and using image processing and particle tracking techniques, the study measures individual particle flow velocity, travel time, and velocity distribution. Results indicate that particle cluster inclination affects total travel time, suggesting higher particle concentration may alter erosion rates.