Developing rheologocal models for bubble flow in complex fluids

This project aims to improve our understanding of bubble dynamics in complex, non-Newtonian fluids, which display elastic, viscous, and plastic behaviors. These materials can be found in processes like oil sand extraction and food processing. Current models, such as the Herschel-Bulkley and Bingham models, fail to account for long-term material changes caused by prior bubbles, which create preferential paths that subsequent bubbles follow. This research will develop a new elasto-viscoplastic (EVP) model that includes a time-dependent damage evolution term to capture these lasting effects. The model will be validated against experimental data and benchmarked using numerical simulations, providing more accurate predictions of bubble movement in real-world scenarios. These improvements will help industries better manage processes involving complex fluids, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions from tailing ponds and optimizing fluid flow in food and wastewater systems.

Faculty Supervisor:

Ian Frigaard

Student:

Partner:

University of Liverpool

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Sustainability & the Environment; Agriculture and Food; Natural Resources

University:

The University of British Columbia

Program: