The Transverse Particle Migration of Highly Filled Polymer Fluid Flow in a Pipe

Abstract

Shear-induced particle migration was investigated by using a continuum diffusive -flux model for the creep flow of nickel powder filled polymers, which are viscous with shear-thinning characteristic. The model, together with flow equations, was employed for solving the non-Newtonian flow patterns and non-uniform particle concentration distribution of mono-modal suspensions in a pressure-driven tube flow. Particle volume fraction and velocity fields for the non-homogenous shear flow field were predicted for 40% particle volume fraction. The model captures the trends found in experimental investigations.