E. J. Hinch

The effect of Brownian motion on the rheological properties of a suspension of non-spherical particles

The effect of rotary Brownian motion on the rheology of a dilute suspension of rigid spheroids in shear flow is considered for various limiting cases of the particle aspect ratio r and dimensionless shear rate γ/ D . As a preliminary the probability distribution function is calculated for the orientation of a single, axisymmetric particle in steady shear flow, assuming small particle Reynolds number. The result for the case of weak-shear flows, γ/ D [Lt ] 1, has been known for many years. After briefly reviewing this limiting case, we present expressions for the case of strong shear where ( r 3 + r −3 ) [Lt ] γ/ D , and for an intermediate regime relevant for extreme aspect ratios where 1 [Lt ] γ/ D [Lt ] ( r 3 + r −3 ). The bulk stress is then calculated for these cases, as well as the case of nearly spherical particles r ∼ 1, which has not hitherto been discussed in detail. Various non-Newtonian features of the suspension rheology are discussed in terms of prior continuum mechanical and experimental results.

Constitutive equations in suspension mechanics. Part 2. Approximate forms for a suspension of rigid particles affected by Brownian rotations

Approximate constitutive equations are derived for a dilute suspension of rigid spheroidal particles with Brownian rotations, and the behaviour of the approximations is explored in various flows. Following the suggestion made in the general formulation in part 1, the approximations take the form of Hands (1962) fluid model, in which the anisotropic microstructure is described by a single second-order tensor. Limiting forms of the exact constitutive equations are derived for weak flows and for a class of strong flows. In both limits the microstructure is shown to be entirely described by a second-order tensor. The proposed approximations are simple interpolations between the limiting forms of the exact equations. Predictions from the exact and approximate constitutive equations are compared for a variety of flows, including some which are not in the class of strong flows analysed.

Numerical simulation of a concentrated emulsion in shear flow

A three-dimensional computer simulation of a concentrated emulsion in shear flow has been developed for low-Reynolds-number finite-capillary-number conditions. Numerical results have been obtained using an efficient boundary integral formulation with periodic boundary conditions and up to twelve drops in each periodically replicated unit cell. Calculations have been performed over a range of capillary numbers where drop deformation is significant up to the value where drop breakup is imminent. Results have been obtained for dispersed-phase volume fractions up to 30% and dispersed- to continuous-phase viscosity ratios in the range of 0 to 5. The results reveal a complex rheology with pronounced shear thinning and large normal stresses that is associated with an anisotropic microstructure that results from the alignment of deformed drops in the flow direction. The viscosity of an emulsion is only a moderately increasing function of the dispersed-phase volume fraction, in contrast to suspensions of rigid particles or undeformed drops. Unlike rigid particles, deformable drops do not form large clusters.

Effect of a spectrum of relaxation times on the capillary thinning of a filament of elastic liquid

Abstract The capillary thinning of a filament of viscoelastic liquid, which is the basis of a microrheometer, is analyzed in terms of a multi-mode FENE fluid. After a short time of viscous adjustment, the stress becomes dominated by the elastic contribution and the strain-rate takes on a value equal to two-thirds the rate at which the stress would relax at fixed strain. This strain-rate decreases as the dominant mode changes. At late times, modes reach their finite extension limit. The fluid then behaves like a suspension of rigid rods with a large extensional viscosity, and the liquid filament breaks. Predictions are compared with the experiments of Liang and Mackley (1994).

An averaged-equation approach to particle interactions in a fluid suspension

Earlier ideas are combined to produce a systematic approach both to forming the bulk equations of motion of a dilute suspension and to calculating the overall hydrodynamic interactions between the suspended particles. Equations governing averaged field quantities are derived by taking ensemble averages of the conservation laws and constitutive relations. The bulk equations thus produced contain a term in which the averaging is performed holding one particle fixed. If now the same prescription is applied to fields averaged with one particle fixed, equations are produced containing a term averaged with two particles fixed, and so on up an infinite hierarchy. The hierarchy can be truncated in an asymptotic analysis for small particle concentrations. This approach to the mechanics of suspensions is illustrated by applying it to three problems which have already been well studied by different methods. The problems concern the first effects of hydrodynamic interactions on the bulk stress and sedimentation velocity of a free suspension, and on the permeability of a fixed bed. Earlier results are recovered in a new light. Multiparticle effects, which before have occurred as divergent sums, are seen to arise because the suspension described by the averaged equations assumes a viscosity and density different from the solvent, or in the case of the fixed bed because the suspension starts behaving as a porous medium instead of as a Newtonian solvent. A close connexion is thus revealed between the averaged-equation description of the interactions and a self-consistent-field model.

The effect of weak Brownian rotations on particles in shear flow

Axisymmetric particles in zero Reynolds number shear flow execute closed orbits. In this paper we consider the role of small Brownian couples in establishing a steady-state probability distribution for a particle being on any particular orbit. After presenting the basic equations, we derive an expression for the equilibrium distribution. This result is then used to calculate some bulk properties for a suspension of such particles, and these predicted properties are compared with available experimental observation.

Inertial migration of a sphere in Poiseuille flow

The inertial migration of a small sphere in a Poiseuille flow is calculated for the case when the channel Reynolds number is of order unity. The equilibrium position is found to move towards the wall as the Reynolds number increases. The migration velocity is found to increase more slowly than quadratically. These results are compared with the experiments of Segre & Silberberg (1962 a, b ).

The elastohydrodynamic collision of two spheres

The dynamic deformation of a solid elastic sphere which is immersed in a viscous fluid and in close motion toward another sphere or a plane solid surface is presented. The deformed shape of the solid surfaces and the pressure profile in the fluid layer separating these surfaces are determined simultaneously via asymptotic and numerical techniques. This research provides the first steps in establishing rational criteria for predicting whether a solid particle will stick or rebound subsequent to impact during filtration or coagulation when viscous forces are important.

Mechanical models of dilute polymer solutions in strong flows

In strong flows, such as turbulence, it is suggested that randomly coiled macromolecules might become nearly fully extended. To investigate this extended state, four models are considered which show the importance of the inextensibility of the polymer chain and the variation of the friction coefficient with the extension. The rheological consequences of these processes are then explored in an appropriately modified dumb‐bell model. A dilute polymer solution is predicted to have a high extensional viscosity but a low shear viscosity, a stress hysteresis, and a slow stress relaxation. The action of the novel rheology is shown in two simple flows. Finally, speculations are made on the possible way dilute polymer solutions can modify turbulence.

Shear-induced dispersion in a dilute suspension of rough spheres

In the absence of Brownian motion, inertia and inter-particle forces, two smooth spheres collide in a simple shear flow in a reversible way returning to their initial streamlines. Because the minimum separation during the collision can be less than 10 −4 of the radius, quite a small surface roughness can have a significant irreversible effect on the collision. We calculate the change between the initial and final streamlines caused by roughness. Repeated random collisions in a dilute suspension lead to a diffusion of the particles across the streamlines. We calculate the shear-induced diffusivity for both self-diffusion and down-gradient diffusion.