SGER: Synthesis and Rheological Characterization of 'Smart' Complex Fluids: Suspensions of Magnetically-Active Nanoparticles

CTS-0331379C。Rinaldi，波多黎各大学Mayaguez拟议的研究涉及新的磁活性复杂流体的合成和流变响应的实验和理论研究。这种流体包括可磁化微粒（1- 100微米）和永久磁化纳米颗粒（1- 100纳米）的胶体分散体。实验工作将集中在所述分散体的合成上，特别强调稳定性、粒径的可控性、磁性能的定制、颗粒表面的官能化以及对交变、行波和旋转均匀/不均匀电磁场的相应磁流变响应的表征。 理论研究将集中在制定适当的平衡法，本构方程，边界条件，和相关的耦合机电流体流动问题的分析/数值解方案。这项研究启动补助金将使研究生在夏季的几个月里，主要研究人员前往专业会议和会议的支持，以及原材料和用品的收购。拟议工作的最终目标是在马亚圭斯的波多黎各大学化学工程系建立一个外部资助的研究实验室，重点研究智能复杂流体。智力优势：智能复杂流体的连续描述中的应力和其他唯象通量的适当的本构形式的阐明，所提出的研究的智力价值。 这在磁流体（铁磁流体）和磁流变流体的描述中有直接的应用。更广泛的影响：所要求的资金将支持初级教师从一个代表性不足的群体在一个研究实验室的启动。 拟议的研究将有助于充实今后向外部供资机构提出的建议。获得的资金将加强波多黎各的研究基础设施，并通过促进最近成立的博士学位的增长来发展当地的劳动力。在化学工程计划在波多黎各大学马亚圭斯，国家领先的西班牙裔服务机构之一，生产毕业生在科学，数学和工程。

CTS-0331379C. Rinaldi, University of Puerto Rico MayaguezThe proposed research concerns experimental and theoretical studies of the synthesis and rheological response of novel magnetically active complex fluids. Such fluids include colloidal dispersions of magnetizable micro-particles (1-100micrometers) and permanently magnetized nanoparticles (1-100nm). Experimental efforts will focus on synthesis of said dispersions, with particular emphasis on stability, controllability of particle size, tailoring of magnetic properties, functionalization of particle surfaces, and characterization of the corresponding magnetorheological response to alternating, traveling-wave, and rotating uniform/non-uniform electromagnetic fields. Theoretical research will focus on formulation of proper balance laws, constitutive equations, boundary conditions, and analytical/numerical solution schemes for the associated coupled electromechanical fluid-flow problems. This research-initiation grant will enable support of graduate students over the summer months, principal investigator travel to professional meetings and conferences, and acquisition of raw materials and supplies. The ultimate goal of the proposed work is the establishment of an externally funded research laboratory focusing on smart complex fluids at the Chemical Engineering Department of the University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez. Intellectual Merit: The intellectual merit of the proposed research lies in the elucidation of proper constitutive forms for the stress and other phenomenological fluxes in the continuum description of smart complex fluids. This has immediate application in the description of magnetic fluids (ferrofluids) and of magnetorheological fluids. Broader Impact: The requested funds will support junior faculty from an underrepresented group in the startup of a research laboratory. The research proposed will serve to substantiate future proposals to external funding agencies. Funds acquired will enhance the Puerto Rico research infrastructure and develop the local workforce by fostering the growth of the recently established Ph.D. program in Chemical Engineering at the University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez, one of the nations leading Hispanic Serving Institutions producing graduates in science, mathematics, and engineering.