A fundamental study of the flow of dilatant fluids

• Main Author: Green, Richard G.
• Other Authors: Chemical Engineering
• Format: Others
• Published: Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University 2017
• Subjects: LD5655.V856 1966.G728; Fluids – Migration
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10919/78798

The purpose of this investigation was to test the existing methods of correlating pipe-line data on dilatant fluids in a laminar flow, to gather pertinent physical properties of dilatant fluids, and to propose a theory for the mechanism of dilatancy. In order that the correlation for flow of dilatant fluids in conduits could be tested it was necessary to build a flow apparatus from which pressure drops and flow rates could be measured, to develop viscometric equipment such that flow curves could be determined at shearing conditions similar to those in the flow tests, and to uae the data from the two sources to calculate the variables of interest: the friction factor, f, and the modified Reynolds number, R'_e. A flow apparatus suitable for the purpose outlined was constructed from 1-1/4 inch, Schedule 40 galvanized pipe with motive power provided by a Moyno pump, was provided with temperature control and calming sections, and was provided with a ten foot test section. Flow curves were determined independently with a specially constructed cone and plate viscometer. Provisions were made to determine pressure drop over the fittings: coupling, glove valve, and 90 degree elbow. Dilatant fluids consisting of corn starch suspended in the liquids water, ethylene glycol, and glycerine with values of flow behavior index, n from 1.15-2.50 flowing in laminar flow between R’_e of 12-410 were studied. Results of the investigation showed that the Metzner-Reed correlation method could be used in correlating dilatant, laminar flow. Equivalent resistances of fittings, expressed as equivalent diameters of pipe, were found not to match those found in the literature for Newtonian fluids, except that for the case of couplings the value was negligible for both fluid types. Rather, much lower values were found for the case of flow through a globe valve, and the value found for the 90 degree elbow was strongly dependent on the flow rate. A cone and plate viscometer was used to study the dependency of the Power Law parameters on temperature for a starch suspension in glycerine and ethylene glycol. The parameter n was found to be independent of temperature over the 80-130° F range of temperature studied. Conversely, K varied with temperature in a manner described by an Arrhenius equation and its rate of change with temperature roughly paralleled that of the glycerine. A theory of the basic mechanism responsible for the phenomenon of dilatancy was presented and discussed, and its relation to the Power Law Model established. === Ph. D.