Alban Sauret
@albansauret.bsky.social
Associate Professor at UMD College Park, Department of Mechanical Engineering - playing with fluids, grains, powders and droplets
Thrilled that our article in @annualreviews.bsky.social
of Fluid Mechanics is out! “Fluid Mechanics Challenges in Direct‑Ink‑Writing Additive Manufacturing” doi.org/10.1146/annu.... I am grateful to the two co-authors, @raytyler.bsky.social and Brett Compton. @univofmaryland.bsky.social
of Fluid Mechanics is out! “Fluid Mechanics Challenges in Direct‑Ink‑Writing Additive Manufacturing” doi.org/10.1146/annu.... I am grateful to the two co-authors, @raytyler.bsky.social and Brett Compton. @univofmaryland.bsky.social
October 7, 2025 at 1:43 PM
Thrilled that our article in @annualreviews.bsky.social
of Fluid Mechanics is out! “Fluid Mechanics Challenges in Direct‑Ink‑Writing Additive Manufacturing” doi.org/10.1146/annu.... I am grateful to the two co-authors, @raytyler.bsky.social and Brett Compton. @univofmaryland.bsky.social
of Fluid Mechanics is out! “Fluid Mechanics Challenges in Direct‑Ink‑Writing Additive Manufacturing” doi.org/10.1146/annu.... I am grateful to the two co-authors, @raytyler.bsky.social and Brett Compton. @univofmaryland.bsky.social
Why openings matter. Near the edge, grains dilate in a thin boundary layer. This boundary layer only extends 10–15 grain diameters, but it changes the discharge rate. Once you account for it, all the data collapse onto a single curve! [3/4]
September 19, 2025 at 6:28 PM
Why openings matter. Near the edge, grains dilate in a thin boundary layer. This boundary layer only extends 10–15 grain diameters, but it changes the discharge rate. Once you account for it, all the data collapse onto a single curve! [3/4]
What we find. We split the flow rate in two: the speed of the grains and how they pack at the opening. Gravity and the hole size set the speed. Away from the rim, packing settles to a near‑universal “free‑fall” value. We show this with 3D experiments and DEM simulations. [2/4]
September 19, 2025 at 6:28 PM
What we find. We split the flow rate in two: the speed of the grains and how they pack at the opening. Gravity and the hole size set the speed. Away from the rim, packing settles to a near‑universal “free‑fall” value. We show this with 3D experiments and DEM simulations. [2/4]
Excited to share our new preprint on the discharge of granular materials from a silo. Led by @ramsudhirsharma.bsky.social , we went after a simple question: What is the flow rate through the opening? The answer turns out to be "simple" and quite general. See more here: arxiv.org/abs/2509.14415 [1/4]
September 19, 2025 at 6:28 PM
Excited to share our new preprint on the discharge of granular materials from a silo. Led by @ramsudhirsharma.bsky.social , we went after a simple question: What is the flow rate through the opening? The answer turns out to be "simple" and quite general. See more here: arxiv.org/abs/2509.14415 [1/4]
Excited to share that our NSF PMP project with Eckart Meiburg has been funded! We’ll study cohesive immersed granular flows through experiments and simulations to improve predictions of sediment transport & slurry processing. @univofmaryland.bsky.social @ucsbengineering.bsky.social
August 29, 2025 at 7:42 PM
Excited to share that our NSF PMP project with Eckart Meiburg has been funded! We’ll study cohesive immersed granular flows through experiments and simulations to improve predictions of sediment transport & slurry processing. @univofmaryland.bsky.social @ucsbengineering.bsky.social
Our new study from Joanne Steiner’s PhD work and with C. Morize, P. Gondret, and I. Delbende has just been published in Phys. Rev. Fluids! We study vortex rings generated when a disk moves toward or away from a wall. doi.org/10.1103/ynxr...
August 14, 2025 at 1:47 PM
Our new study from Joanne Steiner’s PhD work and with C. Morize, P. Gondret, and I. Delbende has just been published in Phys. Rev. Fluids! We study vortex rings generated when a disk moves toward or away from a wall. doi.org/10.1103/ynxr...
Excited to be an invited speaker in EP018: Geophysical Granular Flows & Sediment Transport at AGU 2025 (Dec 15–19)! I’ll be sharing our results on cohesive granular materials. Many thanks to the organizers!
Abstract submissions open until July 30. agu.confex.com/agu/agu25/pr... @agu.org
Abstract submissions open until July 30. agu.confex.com/agu/agu25/pr... @agu.org
July 20, 2025 at 7:08 PM
Excited to be an invited speaker in EP018: Geophysical Granular Flows & Sediment Transport at AGU 2025 (Dec 15–19)! I’ll be sharing our results on cohesive granular materials. Many thanks to the organizers!
Abstract submissions open until July 30. agu.confex.com/agu/agu25/pr... @agu.org
Abstract submissions open until July 30. agu.confex.com/agu/agu25/pr... @agu.org
We are grateful to receive funding from the ACS PRF to investigate how fibers and anisotropic particles reorient, bend, and sometimes clog in porous media. From microplastic transport to fiber-laden inks, we aim to uncover the physics behind their transport through experiments and modeling.
June 26, 2025 at 5:41 PM
We are grateful to receive funding from the ACS PRF to investigate how fibers and anisotropic particles reorient, bend, and sometimes clog in porous media. From microplastic transport to fiber-laden inks, we aim to uncover the physics behind their transport through experiments and modeling.
And bonus: the winning entry from @ramrajesh97 to the Gallery of Soft Matter @apsdsoft.bsky.social last year that shows some cool pictures with fiber suspensions
April 9, 2025 at 1:06 AM
And bonus: the winning entry from @ramrajesh97 to the Gallery of Soft Matter @apsdsoft.bsky.social last year that shows some cool pictures with fiber suspensions
#3: Fiber coverage becomes uneven when increasing the volume fraction of fibers. Increased fiber overlap at higher concentrations reduces coating uniformity, despite fibers maintaining an isotropic orientation.
April 9, 2025 at 1:06 AM
#3: Fiber coverage becomes uneven when increasing the volume fraction of fibers. Increased fiber overlap at higher concentrations reduces coating uniformity, despite fibers maintaining an isotropic orientation.
A new article with @sreeramr.bsky.social is out in JCIS! We study the dynamics of droplets of fiber suspensions impacting surfaces, a topic important for coating processes and additive manufacturing, among others doi.org/10.1016/j.jc... @univofmaryland.bsky.social @ucsbengineering.bsky.social
April 9, 2025 at 1:06 AM
A new article with @sreeramr.bsky.social is out in JCIS! We study the dynamics of droplets of fiber suspensions impacting surfaces, a topic important for coating processes and additive manufacturing, among others doi.org/10.1016/j.jc... @univofmaryland.bsky.social @ucsbengineering.bsky.social
Through lab experiments, we investigated how the sudden movement of a rigid wall (piston) creates water waves. Depending on speed, stroke, and water depth, we observed distinct wave regimes.
April 3, 2025 at 2:39 PM
Through lab experiments, we investigated how the sudden movement of a rigid wall (piston) creates water waves. Depending on speed, stroke, and water depth, we observed distinct wave regimes.
Sand is far more fascinating up close! Each grain is unique, with its own signature of geological history and micro-shape sculpted by time and erosion. Yet, collectively, they can behave as a fluid! magnifiedsand.com has a lot of cool pictures from all around the world!
March 31, 2025 at 12:44 PM
Sand is far more fascinating up close! Each grain is unique, with its own signature of geological history and micro-shape sculpted by time and erosion. Yet, collectively, they can behave as a fluid! magnifiedsand.com has a lot of cool pictures from all around the world!
From a visit to the Renwick Gallery in DC a couple of weeks ago: a very cool art piece by Lauren Mabry showcasing coiling instabilities in viscous fluids. A beautiful intersection of art, fluid mechanics (and some rheology!). @sorheology.bsky.social @apsdsoft.bsky.social
March 21, 2025 at 3:41 PM
From a visit to the Renwick Gallery in DC a couple of weeks ago: a very cool art piece by Lauren Mabry showcasing coiling instabilities in viscous fluids. A beautiful intersection of art, fluid mechanics (and some rheology!). @sorheology.bsky.social @apsdsoft.bsky.social
The Gallery of Soft Matter 2025 @apsdsoft.bsky.social has some amazing entries this year. Check them out here: engage.aps.org/dsoft/galler....
Make sure to vote! Not sure about the deadline, but there’s a QR code at the DSOFT table with all the details.
Make sure to vote! Not sure about the deadline, but there’s a QR code at the DSOFT table with all the details.
March 18, 2025 at 4:58 PM
The Gallery of Soft Matter 2025 @apsdsoft.bsky.social has some amazing entries this year. Check them out here: engage.aps.org/dsoft/galler....
Make sure to vote! Not sure about the deadline, but there’s a QR code at the DSOFT table with all the details.
Make sure to vote! Not sure about the deadline, but there’s a QR code at the DSOFT table with all the details.
Kevin will close out presentations with experiments on granular jets and their breakup.
March 16, 2025 at 12:43 AM
Kevin will close out presentations with experiments on granular jets and their breakup.
The final two talks will be on Wednesday and will focus on granular flows. Ram will present results on the gravity-driven flux of particles, or “How fast does your hourglass empty?”
March 16, 2025 at 12:43 AM
The final two talks will be on Wednesday and will focus on granular flows. Ram will present results on the gravity-driven flux of particles, or “How fast does your hourglass empty?”
Sreeram will give the last talk of our group on Monday, presenting his work on fiber suspensions, based on his winning entry to the Gallery of Soft Matter last year!
March 16, 2025 at 12:43 AM
Sreeram will give the last talk of our group on Monday, presenting his work on fiber suspensions, based on his winning entry to the Gallery of Soft Matter last year!
I will then discuss the extrusion of dense suspensions. When particles get too crowded, things can go wrong!
March 16, 2025 at 12:43 AM
I will then discuss the extrusion of dense suspensions. When particles get too crowded, things can go wrong!
Marc will kick things off in the Undergraduate Session, presenting experiments on drag in granular media.
March 16, 2025 at 12:43 AM
Marc will kick things off in the Undergraduate Session, presenting experiments on drag in granular media.
Lineup from our group at the @APS Global Summit: We will be covering studies on fluids, grains, drops, and suspensions! More details below.
March 16, 2025 at 12:43 AM
Lineup from our group at the @APS Global Summit: We will be covering studies on fluids, grains, drops, and suspensions! More details below.
Why elongated? The ice–liquid interface can “pinch” bubbles from multiple sides. Different freezing rates change how fast each region solidifies, causing elongation. Our model shows how growth rate and thermal gradients govern bubble geometry.
March 12, 2025 at 3:39 PM
Why elongated? The ice–liquid interface can “pinch” bubbles from multiple sides. Different freezing rates change how fast each region solidifies, causing elongation. Our model shows how growth rate and thermal gradients govern bubble geometry.
As ice forms around an initial air pocket generated by nucleation, local conditions create an asymmetry in the ice front, producing non-spherical bubbles. They can range from near-spherical to highly elongated.
March 12, 2025 at 3:39 PM
As ice forms around an initial air pocket generated by nucleation, local conditions create an asymmetry in the ice front, producing non-spherical bubbles. They can range from near-spherical to highly elongated.
Because water contains dissolved gas, air bubbles nucleate and grow during freezing. We investigated and modeled how these bubbles evolve as the freezing front advances, leading to shapes from pears to worms.
March 12, 2025 at 3:39 PM
Because water contains dissolved gas, air bubbles nucleate and grow during freezing. We investigated and modeled how these bubbles evolve as the freezing front advances, leading to shapes from pears to worms.
Excited to share our new paper in @pnas.org doi.org/10.1073/pnas...! Ice cubes often appear cloudy because, as water freezes, air bubbles get trapped and scatter light. But how does freezing rate affect the shape of the bubbles?
March 12, 2025 at 3:39 PM
Excited to share our new paper in @pnas.org doi.org/10.1073/pnas...! Ice cubes often appear cloudy because, as water freezes, air bubbles get trapped and scatter light. But how does freezing rate affect the shape of the bubbles?