Discrete modeling of sedimentation

The sedimentation process is simulated, for the first time, using a discrete model in which gravitation and Brownian motion are considered as competitive processes. This model is capable of producing the whole spectrum of particle-settling behaviors by varying $R_{\mathrm{GB}}$, a relative measure of the gravitation to the Brownian motion. Computer-simulation results are obtained for polydispersed as well as monodispersed systems and for coarse as well as for fine particles.