Viscosity of concentrated noncolloidal bidisperse suspensions

At the same solid volume fraction (Φ) the relative viscosity (η _r ) of a concentrated noncolloidal bidisperse suspension of hard spherical particles is lower than that of a monodisperse suspension. In this paper a semi-analytical viscosity model of noncolloidal bidisperse suspensions is derived using an integration method. In this model the random loose packing density obtained by computer simulation is taken as the limit of solid volume fraction Φ _m which depends upon both the diameter ratio (λ) of large to small particles and the volume fraction of large particles (ξ=Φ _l /Φ). This model shows that at high solid volume fraction, Φ > 0.40, both λ and ξ significantly influence η _r . For example, at Φ=0.5, it predicts that for monodisperse suspensions η _r =70, while for bidisperse suspensions (λ=2 and ξ=0.7) η _r =40. Comparison shows that, at high solid volume fraction (0.4–0.5), the relative viscosity predicted by this model is in good agreement with that predicted by the work of Shapiro and Probstein (1992) and of Patlazhan (1993), but is higher than that predicted by the work of others. Received: 27 February 2001 Accepted: 25 April 2001     

The effect of mixing particles of different size on the electrorheological response under steady shear flow

 The effect of mixing particles of different sizes on the electrorheological response of suspensions under steady shear flow was investigated. Two sizes, 15 μm and 50 μm, of monodisperse spherical sulfonated poly(styrene-co-divinylbenzene) particles were used. Several electrorheological fluids were made containing different proportions of small and large particles dispersed in silicone oil, but with constant overall particulate concentration. It was found that the mixed size system produced the highest electrorheological response under the shear rates used (10 s⁻¹ to 500 s⁻¹), which is the opposite trend to previous studies of bimodal systems with larger size ratios. Received: 21 December 2000 Accepted: 29 March 2001     

Axial annular flow of plastic fluids: dead zones and plug-free flow

In axial annular flow, the shear stress decreases from its value τ(κR) at the inner cylinder to 0 at r = λR and increases from then on to τ(R) at the outer cylinder. For plastic fluids with a yield stress τ _c, λ will be such that flow commences when τ(κR) = τ(R) = τ _c. For fluids with position-dependent yield stresses (electro- and magnetorheological fluids are examples), the situation is more complex. While it is possible that yielding and flow occur everywhere, it is also possible that flow occurs only in parts of the fluid-filled space, and a dead zone (region in which the fluid is at rest) close to one of the walls exists. In that case, the fluid will flow no matter how small the applied pressure difference is. If P is large enough, the dead zone ceases to exist and flow without any plug is possible. The fluid flows as if no yield stress exists.

Three views of viscoelasticity for Cox–Merz materials

A slight rearrangement of the classical Cox and Merz rule suggests that the shear stress value of steady shear flow, , and complex modulus value of small amplitude oscillatory shear, G^∗(ω) = (G^′2 + G^″2)^1/2, are equivalent in many respects. Small changes of material structure, which express themselves most sensitively in the steady shear stress, τ, show equally pronounced in linear viscoelastic data when plotting these with G^∗ as one of the variables. An example is given to demonstrate this phenomenon: viscosity data that cover about three decades in frequency get stretched out over about nine decades in G^∗ while maintaining steep gradients in a transition region. This suggests a more effective way of exploiting the Cox–Merz rule when it is valid and exploring reasons for lack of validity when it is not. The τ −G^∗ equivalence could also further the understanding of the steady shear normal stress function as proposed by Laun.     

Testing of Model Equations for the Mean Dissipation using Kolmogorov Flows

Direct Numerical Simulations (DNS) of Kolmogorov flows are performed at three different Reynolds numbers Re _λ between 110 and 190 by imposing a mean velocity profile in y-direction of the form U(y) = F sin(y) in a periodic box of volume (2π)³. After a few integral times the turbulent flow turns out to be statistically steady. Profiles of mean quantities are then obtained by averaging over planes at constant y. Based on these profiles two different model equations for the mean dissipation ε in the context of two-equation RANS (Reynolds Averaged Navier–Stokes) modelling of turbulence are compared to each other. The high Reynolds number version of the k-ε-model (Jones and Launder, Int J Heat Mass Transfer 15:301–314, 1972), to be called the standard model and a new model by Menter et al. (2006), to be called the Menter–Egorov model, are tested against the DNS results. Both models are solved numerically and it is found that the standard model does not provide a steady solution for the present case, while the Menter–Egorov model does. In addition a fairly good quantitative agreement of the model solution and the DNS data is found for the averaged profiles of the kinetic energy k and the dissipation ε. Furthermore, an analysis based on flow-inherent geometries, called dissipation elements (Wang and Peters, J Fluid Mech 608:113–138, 2008), is used to examine the Menter–Egorov ε model equation. An expression for the evolution of ε is derived by taking appropriate moments of the equation for the evolution of the probability density function (pdf) of the length of dissipation elements. A term-by-term comparison with the model equation allows a prediction of the constants, which with increasing Reynolds number approach the empirical values.     

Effects of surfactant and salt concentrations on capillary flow and its entry flow for wormlike micelle solutions

Dynamic viscoelasticities and flow properties were measured for aqueous solutions of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and sodium salicylate (NaSal) to examine the effects of surfactant (C _D) and salt (C _S). The relaxation time λ of a single mode Maxwell model was obtained, and the relationship between λ and free NaSal concentration was discussed. The relation between λ and was applied to the classification of flow curves, which were obtained using a capillary rheometer. In the flow curves, a shear rate jump occurred at low shear rates for the solutions with low , while bending was seen at high shear rates for all the flow curves. On the other hand, vortex growth at the salient corner in the entrance region of the capillary was also investigated. Four different flow patterns were identified: Newtonian-like flow (A), steady vortex flow (B), periodically oscillated flow (C), and perfectly unstable flow (D). In the steady vortex of the flow pattern B, the vortex length increased with increasing shear rate. In the flow patterns C and D, white turbidity was observed. Furthermore, the relation between λ and was also applied to the discussion on the development of the vortex.     

Measurement modes of the response time of a magneto-rheological fluid (MRF) for changing magnetic flux density

The response of a magneto-rheological fluid (MRF) to a change of magnetic flux density is investigated by using a commercial plate–plate magneto-rheometer MCR501 (Anton Paar GmbH) at constant shear rate. The instrument was modified to allow an online determination of the transient flux density in the MRF. Both current and voltage imposition to the magneto-cell were applied by using a power operational amplifier to drive the electromagnet. Assuming a Maxwell behavior with switching time λ and a linear increase in shear stress with flux density, analytic relations for the transient shear stress are derived for sinusoidal and single exponential flux densities vs time. True switching times of a few milliseconds are only obtained if the low pass filter in the original MCR501 torque signal is surpassed by a firmware allowing a sampling rate of 0.1 ms. For a sinusoidal flux density, the switching time is derived from the modulation depth of the shear stress. An upper bound of λ < 3 ms for a flux density of 0.8 T was found. For step coil current imposition of 1 T magnitude, switching times of 2.8 ms (start-up) and 1.8 ms (shutdown) allowed to fit the transient torque signal more than 2/3 of the total change. Finally, the effect of a sigmoidal characteristic on the switching time determination is addressed. This paper was presented at Annual European Rheology Conference (AERC) held in Hersonisos, Crete, Greece, April 27-29, 2006.     

Rheological and mechanical properties of silica colloids: from Newtonian liquid to brittle behaviour

Rheological and mechanical properties of aqueous mono-disperse silica suspensions (Ludox? HS40) are investigated as a function of particle volume fraction (ϕ _p ranging from 0.22 to 0.51) and water content, using shear rate tests, oscillatory methods, indentation and an ultrasonic technique. As the samples are progressively dried, four regimes are identified; they are related to the increasing particle content and the existence and behaviour of the electrical double layer (EDL) around each particle. For 0.22 ≤ ϕ _p ≤ 0.30), the suspensions are stable due to the strong electrostatic repulsion between particles and show Newtonian behaviour (I). As water is removed, the solution pH decreases and the ionic strength increases. The EDL thickness therefore slowly decreases, and screening of the electrostatic repulsion increases. For 0.31 ≤ ϕ _p ≤ 0.35, the suspensions become turbid and exhibit viscoelastic (VE) shear thinning behaviour (II), as they progressively flocculate. For 0.35 ≤ ϕ _p ≤ 0.47, the suspensions turn transparent again and paste-like, with VE shear thinning behaviour and high elastic modulus (III). At higher particle concentration, the suspensions undergo a glass transition and behave as an elastic brittle solid (IV, ϕ _p = 0.51).     

Non-linear rheology and flow-induced transition of a lamellar-to-vesicle phase in ternary systems of alkyldimethyl oxide/alcohol/water

 The time-dependent transformation of an ionically charged lamellar phase (L _α-phase) into a vesicle phase under the influence of shear is investigated using rheological and conductivity measurements. The L _α-phase consists of the zwitterionic surfactant tetradecyldimethylaminoxide (C₁₄DMAO), hexanol, oxalic acid and water. The experiments were carried out on the L _α-phase in a well defined state. It was prepared by a special route from the neighbouring L ₃-phase that consists of 100 mM C₁₄DMAO, 250 mM hexanol and 5 mM oxalicdiethylester (OEE). The OEE hydrolyses in the L ₃ -phase to oxalic acid and ethanol. The result is a virgin L _α-phase which consists of stacked bilayers and which has not been exposed to shear. When this low-viscous phase is subjected to shear it is transformed into a highly viscous vesicle phase. The transformation of the L _α-phase into vesicles under constant shear was monitored by recording the viscosity and conductivity with time. It is observed that at least three different time constants can be distinguished in the transformation process. The conductivity passes through a minimum (τ₁) in the direction of shear. The viscosity first passes through a minimum (τ₂) and then over a maximum (τ₃). It is concluded that τ₁ belongs to the complete alignment of the bilayer parallel to the wall, τ₂ to the beginning of the break-up of the bilayers to the vesicles and τ₃ to the complete transformation of the L _α- to the vesicle phase. When the shear rate was varied, it was noted that the product of the time constants and shear is constant. Received: 30 June 1999/Accepted: 30 August 1999     

Finite Element Model Tuning with Spatially-Dense 3D Modes

An investigation into varying the spatial density of three-dimensional (3D) modes in order to accurately tune a finite element (FE) model to larger numbers of modes is conducted. This FE model tuning approach is evaluated on a 60,000+ FE degree of freedom (DOF) model of the United States Air Force Academy’s fifth small satellite, FalconSAT-5 (FS-5), structural engineering model (SEM). The evaluation of this FE model tuning approach starts with the collection of natural frequencies and 3D modes extracted from scanning laser Doppler velocimeter (LDV) frequency response function measurements at 2,165 closely-spaced points on the surface of the test article. The measured modes and their associated natural frequencies serve as target values in a gradient-based tuning approach. The FE model is tuned to have differences with the measured natural frequencies less than 2% and in many cases cross-orthogonality values greater than 0.90. Using both a QR-decomposition and the Triaxial Effective Independence (EfI3⁺) sensor selection strategies, the effect of adding more tuning points on tuning accuracy is studied. This study demonstrates that increasing the number of experimental data points using the EfI3⁺ sensor selection strategy for FE model optimization results in increased tuning accuracy.     

Equivalence between Rank-One Convexity and Polyconvexity for Some Classes of Elastic Materials

Let W(F) = φ(λ ₁ ^s + λ ₂ ^s + λ ₃ ^s ) + ψ(λ ₁ ^r λ ₂ ^r + λ ₁ ^r λ ₃ ^r + λ ₂ ^r λ ₃ ^r ) + f(λ ₁ λ ₂ λ ₃) be a stored energy function. We prove that, for this function, rank-one convexity is equivalent to polyconvexity.under suitable assumptions on φ, ψ and f.     

Another Thin-Film Limit of Micromagnetics

We consider the variational problem of micromagnetics for soft, relatively small thin films with no applied magnetic field. In terms of the film thickness t, the diameter l and the magnetic exchange length w, we study the asymptotic behavior in the small-aspect-ratio limit t/l→0, when either (a) w²/l²≫(t/l)| log (t/l)| or (b) w²/l²∼(t/l)| log (t/l)|. Our analysis builds on prior work by Gioia & James and Carbou. The limiting variational problem is much simpler than 3D micromagnetics; in particular it is two-dimensional and local, with no small parameters. The contribution of shape anisotropy reduces, in this limit, to a constant times the boundary integral of (m·n)².     

Hydrodynamic diffusivity of spherical particles in polymer solution

In this research experiments were performed to examine the hydrodynamic diffusion of spherical particles in a highly filled suspension. The suspension consisted of nearly monodisperse polymethylmethacrylate spheres in a density matched polymer solution. The polymer solution was prepared by dissolving 0–700 ppm of polyacrylamide in a mixture of ethyleneglycol and glycerine. The polymer solution did not show appreciable shear thinning. The particle loading was varied from 30 to 55%. The hydrodynamic diffusivity was estimated by measuring the time-dependent viscosity when the suspension was subjected to a circular Couette flow with an air bubble trapped under the rotor of the Couette apparatus. The results show that the dimensionless diffusivity (D/γ˙a ²) of particles in polymer solution is not proportional to shear rate (γ˙), as in the case of a Newtonian fluid, but that it decreases with increasing shear rate. The diffusivity also decreases with increasing polymer concentration. It is suggested that the elongational thickening behaviour and the increased lubrication force due to the first normal stress difference may be responsible for the reduction of diffusivity in the polymer solution. Received: 18 January 2000 Accepted: 6 April 2000     

Three-dimensional viscoelastic simulation of coextrusion process: comparison with experimental data

 Three-dimensional numerical simulation of viscoelastic coextrusion process has been performed and numerical results were compared with the experimental data of Karagiannis et al. (1990). By varying the magnitude of the second normal stress difference and its ratio of Fluid I and Fluid II, we were able to control the interface profile and the degree of encapsulation along the downstream direction. By increasing the parameter α (α_Fluid I=α_Fluid II) from 0.1 to 0.4 in the Giesekus model and increasing the α ratio (α_Fluid Iα_Fluid II) between Fluid I and Fluid II from 2.0 to 4.0 in the permissible range of realistic polymeric systems, the interface profile and the degree of encapsulation along the downstream direction were fitted with the experimental results. There was little difference between the numerical results and the experimental data in the interface profile and the degree of encapsulation along the downstream direction when the α ratio was set to 3.0 (0.3:0.1). Fluid I with larger magnitude of the second normal stress difference protrudes into Fluid II with smaller magnitude of the second normal stress difference around the symmetric plane, while Fluid II wraps around Fluid I near the side walls. As the ξ ₁ ratio (ξ _{1 ,Fluid I}ξ _{1 ,Fluid II}) increases from 1.0 to 3.0 for the two-mode Phan-Thien and Tanner model, it was found that the curvature of the interface profile increased, and the difference between the numerical results and the experimental data in the interface profile and the degree of encapsulation along the downstream direction was almost negligible when the ξ ₁ ratio was set to 3.0 (0.54:0.18). Although the parameters of viscoelastic models were fitted by using the shear viscosity data only, quantitative agreements between the numerical results and the experimental coextrusion data were quite satisfactory. Received: 24 April 2001 Accepted: 5 June 2001     

Application of the NS-α Model to a Recirculating Flow

In this paper we investigate a subgrid model based on an anisotropic version of the NS-α model using a lid-driven cavity flow at a Reynolds number of 10,000. Previously the NS-α model has only been used numerically in the isotropic form. The subgrid model is developed from the Eulerian-averaged anisotropic equations (Holm, Physica D 133:215, 1999). It was found that when α ² was based on the mesh numerical oscillations developed which manifested themselves in the appearance of streamwise vortices and a ‘mixing out’ of the velocity profile. This is analogous to the Craik–Leibovich mechanism, with the difference being that the oscillations here are not physical but numerical. The problem could be traced back to the discontinuity in α ² encountered when α ² = 0 on the endwalls. A definition of α ² based on velocity gradients, rather than mesh spacing, is proposed and tested. Using this definition the results with the model show a significant improvement. The splitting of the downstream wall jet, rms and shear stress profiles are correctly captured a coarse mesh. The model is shown to predict both positive and negative energy transfer in the jet impingement region, in qualitative agreement with DNS results.     

Rheostructural studies of a discotic mesophase pitch at processing flow conditions

The flow-induced microstructure of a mesophase pitch was studied within custom-made dies for changing wall shear rates from 20 to 1,100 s^− 1, a flow scenario that is typically encountered during fiber spinning. The apparent viscosity values, measured at the nominal wall shear rates ranging from 500 to 2,500 s^− 1 using these dies, remain fairly constant. The microstructure was studied in two orthogonal sections: r–θ (cross section) and r–z (longitudinal mid plane). In these dies, the size of the microstructure gradually decreases toward the wall (to as low as a few micrometers), where shear rate is highest. Furthermore, as observed in the r–θ plane of the capillary, for a significant fraction of the cross section, discotic mesophase has a radial orientation. Thus, the directors of disc-like molecules were aligned in the vorticity (θ) direction. As confirmed from the microstructure in the r–z plane, most of the discotic molecules remain nominally in the flow plane. Orientation of the pitch molecules in the shear flow conditions is consistent with that observed in controlled low-shear rheometric experiments reported earlier. Microstructral investigation suggests that the radial orientation of carbon fibers obtained from a mesophase pitch originates during flow of pitch through the die.     

Edge fracture in cone-plate and parallel plate flows

Edge fracture is an instability of cone-plate and parallel plate flows of viscoelastic liquids and suspensions, characterised by the formation of a `crack' or indentation at a critical shear rate on the free surface of the liquid. A study is undertaken of the theoretical, experimental and computational aspects of edge fracture. The Tanner-Keentok theory of edge fracture in second-order liquids is re-examined and is approximately extended to cover the Criminale-Ericksen-Filbey (CEF) model. The second-order theory shows that the stress distribution on the semi-circular crack is not constant, requiring an average to be taken of the stress; this affects the proportionality constant, K in the edge fracture equation −N _2c = KΓ/a, where N _2c is the critical second normal stress difference, Γ is the surface tension coefficient and a is the fracture diameter. When the minimum stress is used, K = 2/3 as found by Tanner and Keentok (1983). Consideration is given to the sources of experimental error, including secondary flow and slip (wall effect). The effect of inertia on edge fracture is derived. A video camera was used to record the inception and development of edge fracture in four viscoelastic liquids and two suspensions. The recorded image was then measured to obtain the fracture diameter. The edge fracture phenomenon was examined to find its dependence on the physical dimensions of the flow (i.e. parallel plate gap or cone angle), on the surface tension coefficient, on the critical shear rate and on the critical second normal stress difference. The critical second normal stress difference was found to depend on the surface tension coefficient and the fracture diameter, as shown by the theory of Tanner and Keentok (1983); however, the experimental data were best fitted by the equation −N _2c = 1.095Γ/a. It was found that edge fracture in viscoelastic liquids depends on the Reynolds number, which is in good agreement with the inertial theory of edge fracture. Edge fracture in lubricating grease and toothpaste is broadly consistent with the CEF model of edge fracture. A finite volume method program was used to simulate the flow of a viscoelastic liquid, obeying the modified Phan-Thien-Tanner model, to obtain the velocity and stress distribution in parallel plate flow in three dimensions. Stress concentrations of the second normal stress difference (N ₂) were found in the plane of the crack; the velocity distribution shows a secondary flow tending to aid crack formation if N ₂ is negative, and a secondary flow tending to suppress crack formation if N ₂ is positive. Received: 4 January 1999 Accepted: 19 May 1999     

Thermal convection in a porous layer: Effects of anisotropy and surface boundary conditions

The theory describing the onset of convection in a homogeneous porous layer bounded above and below by isothermal surfaces is extended to consider an upper boundary which is partly permeable. The general boundary condition p + λ ∂p/∂n = constant is applied at the top surface and the flow is investigated for various λ in the range 0 ⩽ λ < ∞. Estimates of the magnitude and horizontal distribution of the vertical mass and heat fluxes at the surface, the horizontally-averaged heat flux (Nusselt number) and the fraction of the fluid which recirculates within the layer are found for slightly supercritical conditions. Comparisons are made with the two limiting cases λ → ∞, where the surface is completely impermeable, and λ = 0, where the surface is at constant pressure. Also studied are the effects of anisotropy in permeability, ξ = K _H /K _V , and anisotropy is thermal conductivity, η = k _H /k _V , both parameters being ratios of horizontal to vertical quantities. Quantitative results are given for a wide variety of the parameters λ, ξ and η. In the limit ξ/η → 0 there is no recirculation, all fluid being converted out of the top surface, while in the limit ξ/η → ∞ there is full recirculation.     

Experiments on the lift of a spinning sphere in a range of intermediate Reynolds numbers

 The lift force experienced by a spinning sphere moving in a viscous fluid, with constant linear and angular velocities, is measured by means of a trajectographic technique. Measurements are performed in the range of dimensionless angular velocities γ=aω/V lying between 1 and 6, and in the range of Reynolds numbers Re=2aV/ν lying between 10 and 140 (a sphere radius, ω angular velocity, V relative velocity of the sphere centre, ν fluid kinematic viscosity). A notable departure from the theoretical relationship at low Reynolds number, C _L =2γ, is obtained, the ratio C _L /γ being found to significantly decrease with increasing γ and increasing Re. The following correlation is finally proposed to estimate the lift coefficient in the range 10<Re<140: C _L ≅0.45+(2γ−0.45) exp (−0.075γ^0.4 Re ^0.7) Received: 20 May 1996/Accepted: 9 November 1997