Soft Matter Seminar: Vibrational Effects on Particle Sedimentation in Complex Fluids

Thursday, October 15, 2009 - 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Reiss 261A
Patrick Spicer
Procter & Gamble

Particle sedimentation in complex fluid consumer products is rarely desirable and rheological modification is frequently used to guard against such instabilities. However, a fluid rheology that prevents sedimentation under static conditions may not be useful during transport when a wide range of vibrational frequencies is encountered. This work studies the vibration-induced sedimentation of particles suspended in yield stress fluids using video observations. Comparisons are made with theoretical predictions and national transport guidelines, while techniques to mitigate vibrational effects are also examined.

Host: Daniel Blair