Particle capture in arrays of collectors

Despite its importance for aquatic ecosystems, particle capture by multiple collectors remains poorly characterized. Particle capture in arrays is different from the single collector case in many respects. First, particle capture is modified because collectors are exposed to different fluxes due to the physical constrictions within the array. Second, vortex shedding promotes an increase in capture because collectors are exposed to higher fluxes. Commonly, array formulations for estimating dynamic quantities are an adaptation of existing single cylinder formulas, using a redefinition of the characteristic velocity for the
array. Here we use two dimensional numerical simulations to analyse the flow at the interior of moderately packed arrays and understand the reasoning of the characteristic velocity concept. The proposed characteristic velocities may be used for adapting single cylinder formulations to be used for particle capture in
arrays.