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arXiv · 2507.18241

Taylor$\unicode{x2013}$Aris dispersion of active particles in oscillatory channel flow

Bohan Wang·Weiquan Jiang·Li Zeng·Zi Wu·Ping Wang
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Abstract

Mass dispersion in oscillatory flows is intimately linked to various environmental and biological processes, offering a distinct contrast to dispersion in steady flows due to the periodic expansion and contraction of particle patches. In this study, we investigate the Taylor$\unicode{x2013}$Aris dispersion of active particles in laminar oscillatory flows between parallel plates. Two complementary approaches are employed: a two-time-variable expansion of the Smoluchowski equation is used to facilitate Aris' method of moments for the preasymptotic dispersion, while the generalised Taylor dispersion theory is extended to capture phase-dependent periodic drift and dispersivity in the long-time asymptotic limit. Applying both frameworks, we find that spherical non-gyrotactic swimmers can exhibit greater or lesser diffusivity than passive solutes in purely oscillatory flows, depending on the oscillation frequency. This behaviour arise primarily from the disruption of cross-streamline migration governed by Jeffery orbits. When a steady component is superimposed, oscillation induces a non-monotonic dual effect on diffusivity. We further examine two well-studied shear-related accumulation mechanisms, arising from gyrotaxis and elongation. Although these accumulation effects are less pronounced than in steady flows due to flow unsteadiness, gyrotactic swimmers respond more effectively to the unsteady shear profile, significantly altering their drift and dispersivity. This work offers new insights into the dispersion of active particles in oscillatory flows and also provides a foundation for studying periodic active dispersion beyond the oscillatory flow, such as periodic variations in shape and swimming speed.

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Bohan Wang, Weiquan Jiang, Li Zeng, Zi Wu, Ping Wang. 2025-07-24. Taylor$\unicode{x2013}$Aris dispersion of active particles in oscillatory channel flow. https://doi.org/10.1017/jfm.2025.10700

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