Non-Newtonian Flows

The viscosity of Newtonian fluids such as air and water is independent of the shear rate, while non-Newtonian fluids exhibit viscosity characteristics that are a function of shear rate. Non-Newtonian effects can play a dramatic role in modelling already complex problems such as multi-phase separation due to the changing shear the fluid experiences as it progresses through the system.

Rather than modelling strictly Newtonian fluids, we have developed extensive expertise using products such as carboxymethyl-cellulose (CMC) to model industrial non-Newtonian fluids. Along with our high-viscosity non-Newtonian capability, we also have experience modelling foaming phenomena and elastic properties of fluids. In addition to mixing and pumping equipment for these fluids, we have several rheometers at hand including an Anton Paar MCR301 and a Brookfield LVDVIII to characterize the fluid properties.

Mixing study performed at Coanda where the bulk fluid was high viscosity and shear-thinning, and the injected fluid was plain water. The image to the right is a 2D LIF image of the concentration of the injected fluid.

A non-Newtonian, elastic, foaming fluid developed at Coanda to model a polymer melt undergoing a pressure letdown.