Micro-Modeling of Cohesive Mixing Processes

University Of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh PA

Investigators

Abstract

Abstract CTS-0105688 J. McCarthy, University of Pittsburgh The mixing or segregation of cohesive granular materials is considered in the context of three particle-level sources of cohesion: liquid bridge (capillary) formation, Van der Wals forces, or electrostatic interaction. The method of Particle Dynamic Simulation, already tested in the simple case of free-flowing powders (no cohesion), will be used to establish the macroscopic flows which are induced by these microscopic cohesion effects. Among other results, it will yield the prediciton of mixing or separation in simple granular flows. Special attention is given to the "liquid bridge" (or interstitial) modeling, which includes surface tension, pressure and viscous forces, and the roughness of the surfaces involved.