title: Transport and sedimentation of solid particles in Bénard hexagonal cells.
abstract: The motion of particles moving under gravity in the velocity field of a liquid in a Bénard hexagonal cell is studied experimentally and numerically for Stokes flow conditions. We then explain the settlement of particles in the centers of cells to form a regular quincunx. It is found that sedimentation also occurs preferentially along the lines connecting the centers of adjacent cells to form a triangle deposition tessellation. Finally, it is explained why particles occupy the central part of each convective cell while the peripheral part of the cell quickly becomes limpid. Numerical results are in agreement with the experimental observations of Bénard and those of the present study.
authors.affiliation: Technopôle de Château-Gombert, Polytech'Marseille (IUSTI-CNRS UMR 6595), 5 rue Enrico Fermi, 13453, Marseille, France.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Cerisier
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Porterie
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kaiss
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Cordonnier