Computational Rheology

This research project extends previous research on the flow of viscoelastic fluids through 2D sudden expansions, improving understanding of the fundamental physical phenomena governing an array of flows in both the natural and industrial setting. Using OpenFOAM with RheoTool, calculations based on the recently developed log-conformation approach to resolving viscoelastic stresses are performed on Archie-WeSt, simulating creeping flows which surpass previous limitations of viscoelastic flow simulations. We are interested in the effects of the flow conditions, fluids rheology and of geometrical parameters on the flow patterns and in particular on the size of the corner vortices, as well as on the pressure and stress fields. Sudden expansion flow with multiple inlets of industrial interest is also being considered.

For more information about the project contact Dr Monica Oliveira (monica.oliveira@strath.ac.uk), Senior Lecturer at the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University of Strathclyde, or Joshua Cummings, PhD Student at University of Strathclyde.