Prediction of flow and mixing of rheologically complex fluids.

在最近的过去，计算速度、小型化和由此导致的计算成本的几乎指数级的增长导致了对解决工程问题的In-Silico First方法的巨大兴趣。对于CFD来说尤其如此，使用更精细的网格和更复杂的模型可以获得更准确的结果。然而，尽管通过计算来处理许多流体流动应用是可能的，但理解许多复杂流体的流动行为和建立真实的流动/混合模型仍然是一个挑战。本工作的主要目的是通过实验研究由固体、中间相和各向同性液体组成的复杂流体的流动和混合行为。这些知识随后可以转换为流变学和CFD模型。这个问题有三个主要的子挑战1。使用正电子发射粒子跟踪(PEPT)方法研究不同流变性的复杂流体的流动/混合行为。将在一系列间歇和连续的中试/实验室规模的加工设备上研究流动行为，例如犁式搅拌机、西格玛搅拌机、螺杆挤出机等。调整和开发测量和表征复杂配方的流变学的方法，并适合反映XI、T等以及时间和变形率影响的流变学模型。开发数值方法来捕捉流动行为，并对加工过程中的流动/混合产生现实的预测。

An almost exponential increase in the computational speed, miniaturization and the resulting decrease in the cost of computing in the recent past has led to huge interest towards In-Silico first approaches for solving engineering problems. This is especially true for CFD, where the use of finer meshes and more complex models leads to more accurate results. However, although handling many fluid flow applications is possible computationally, understanding the flow behaviour of many complex fluids and creating realistic flow/mixing models remains a challenge.The main Objective of this work is to study experimentally, the flow and mixing behaviour of complex fluids comprising of solids, mesophases and isotropic liquids. The knowledge can subsequently be converted to rheology and CFD models. This problem has 3 main sub-challenges.1. Study the flow/mixing behaviour of complex fluids of varying rheology using Positron Emission Particle Tracking (PEPT) methodology. Flow behaviour will be studied on a range of batch and continuous pilot/lab scale processing equipment, such as ploughshare mixer, sigma mixer, screw extruder, etc.2. Adapt and develop methods to measure and characterize the rheology of complex formulations, and fit rheological models that capture the effect of xi, T, etc as well as time and deformation rate.3. Develop numerical methods to capture the flow behaviour and produce realistic predictions of the flow/mixing during processing.