Simulations of complex flow of thixotropic liquids

J. J. Derksen*, [No Value] Prashant

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

56 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

A procedure for detailed simulations of flow of purely Viscous thixotropic liquids is outlined. The local viscosity of the liquid relates to the level of integrity of a network in the liquid. The time-dependence of the liquid's rheology is due to the finite rate with which the network in the liquid builds up or breaks down, the latter due to fluid deformation. This concept has been incorporated in a lattice-Boltzmann discretization of the flow equations coupled to a scalar transport solver with the scalar representing the network integrity. It results in a computationally efficient algorithm that allows for very detailed (three-dimensional and time-dependent) simulations of thixotropic liquid flow in complexly shaped confinements. After verifying the numerical procedure by means of a few benchmark cases, it is applied to study the influence of the Deborah number on the transient behavior as well as the quasi steady-state flow in a mixing tank equipped with a Rushton turbine. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)65-75
Number of pages11
JournalJournal of non-Newtonian fluid mechanics
Volume160
Issue number2-3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Aug 2009

Keywords

  • Thixotropy
  • Simulation
  • Lattice-Boltzmann
  • Lid-driven cavity
  • Mixing tank
  • LATTICE-BOLTZMANN METHOD
  • YIELD-STRESS
  • FLUID-FLOWS
  • LARGE-EDDY
  • EQUATION
  • AUTOMATA
  • DRIVEN

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Simulations of complex flow of thixotropic liquids'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this