Particle-wall collision in a viscoelastic fluid

• Published in: Journal of fluid mechanics Vol. 633; pp. 475 - 483
• Main Authors: ARDEKANI, A. M., JOSEPH, D. D., DUNN-RANKIN, D., RANGEL, R. H.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge, UK Cambridge University Press 25.08.2009
• Subjects: Exact sciences and technology; Fluid dynamics; Fluid mechanics; Fluids; Fundamental areas of phenomenology (including applications); Multiphase and particle-laden flows; Non-newtonian fluid flows; Nonhomogeneous flows; Physics; Viscoelasticity; Viscoelastic fluid; Test facilities; Two-phase flow; Wall effects; Spherical particle; Particle suspension; Experimental study; Particle collision
• ISSN: 0022-1120; 1469-7645
• DOI: 10.1017/S0022112009990632

In this study, we present experimental results on particle-wall collision in viscoelastic fluids. A sphere is released in a tank filled with poly(ethylene-oxide) (PEO) mixed with water with varying concentrations up to 1.5%. The effect of Stokes and Deborah numbers on the rebound velocity of a spherical particle colliding onto a wall is considered. It has been observed that the slope at which the coefficient of restitution increases with Stokes number is smaller for higher Deborah numbers. Higher rebound occurs for higher PEO concentration at the same stokes number. However, the results for the coefficient of restitution in polymeric liquids can be collapsed together with the Newtonian fluid behaviour if one defines the Stokes number based on the local strain rate.