Direct Numerical Simulation of Microscale Rheology and Multiphase Flow in Porous Media Jonathan J'L'

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Direct Numerical Simulation of Microscale
Rheology and Multiphase Flow in Porous
MediaJonathan J.L. Higdon, Department of
Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

• Multiphase fluid flows such as the concentrated
  emulsion pictured here exhibit a wide range of
  complex behavior. This includes shear induced
  phase separation (as in the two drop sizes shown
  here), order-disorder transitions, shear banding
  and non-Newtonian rheology.

We are developing a set of novel computational
algorithms based on a spectral boundary element
approach which will allow researchers to make
theoretical predictions of the behavior of these
complex fluids. The successful development of
this computational toolbox will provide a
valuable resource for industrial researchers to
find optimal choices of material properties such
as the fluid viscosities, droplet concentrations
and surfactants , as well as optimal flow
conditions for efficient processing of multiphase
fluid flows.