Download Study of shear thinning and shear thickening in 2D fluids

Annexure-I
Study of shear thinning and shear thickening in 2D
fluids : Physics and Numerical Simulations
Abstract
Fluids, in general, under equilibrium conditions demonstrate constant transport coefficients, such
as viscosity, thermal conductivity and diffusion coefficients. Let us consider a specific example,
say, viscosity of a fluid. When a fluid layer is subjected to a shear rate (made to flow fast or
slow), the fluid responds by developing a shear stress. The ratio of this shear stress to shear rate
yields the viscosity coefficient. If this relationship is linear, so that for zero shear rate, the shear
stress is also close to zero, such fluids are called Newtonian fluids. In other words, once the
temperature and density of the fluid is fixed, the viscosity of the fluid does not dependent on how
fast or slow the fluid is made to flow. However, there exists a class of fluids called Complex
Fluids which are made up of more than one type of fluid particles, i.e., these fluids are
heterogenous in nature. For these fluids, the relationship between shear stress and shear rate may
not be Newtonian type. Several interesting Complex fluids have been synthesized in labs across
the world as there are interesting applications for the same.
One such example of a Complex fluid is a plasma with electrons, ions and micron-size
conducting or dielectric spherical particles immersed in the background of electrons, ions and
neutrals. This plasma, also called Complex Plasma, is known to behave in Non-Newtonian
fashion, but this aspect of Complex plasma is not well studied. In this Project a literature survey
of such fluids in general, including Complex plasmas will be performed along with
understanding the numerical methods necessary to understand such fluids in Computer
Simulations. The numerical methods learnt will be applied to a 2D Complex Plasma systems.
Obtained results will be analyzed and new directions will be identified.
Eligibility: Only students of ……Physics………………….………………….branches can
submit their application at following email addresses
[email protected] [Guide e-mail address] and [email protected] [Project
coordinator’s e-mail address – Dr V P Anitha]
Phone Number: 079-2396 2089 [Guide phone number]