Modelling and simulation of immersed particle chains : application to moving boundary problems

Details

Supervisors

Lambrechts, Jonathan ; Legat, Vincent

Faculty

Ecole polytechnique de Louvain
Ecole polytechnique de Louvain

Degree label

Master [120] : ingénieur civil en mathématiques appliquées, à finalité spécialisée
Master [120] : ingénieur civil mécanicien, à finalité spécialisée

Abstract

Two enhancements are added to MigFlow, enabling us to tackle previously unachievable challenges. The first pertains to polymeric fluids and the second concerns moving boundaries. Firstly, a polymer model is created using a scale analogy, highlighting the mechanisms responsible for the non-Newtonian behaviour of polymeric fluids. An adapted FENE model, as well as an implementation of Brownian motion, simulate the physical properties of polymers. Improved versions of the Dumbbell model are explored to compare their properties and uses. Secondly, moving boundaries are required for a large range of problems in engineering and handling these, therefore, is of great importance. The proposed model is also valid for all finite element problems and is supported by multiple simulations. The previous enhancements are used to implement two concrete applications: the journal bearing and the delayed die swell. The simulation of the journal bearing is validated and is in agreement with numerical and experimental data. Subsequent studies show the influence of polymeric fluids on these results. Additionally, our simulations prove relevant for many types of industrial applications. The simulation of the delayed die swell uses a multi-scale approach to understand this complex phenomenon, bringing attention to the behaviour of polymers and bridging the gap between micro and macro scales.