STUDY OF COMPLEX FLUIDS

DEFINITION

Complex fluids are binary mixtures that have a coexistence

between two phases: solid-liquid (suspensions), solid-gas
(granular), liquid-gas (foams) and liquid-liquid (emulsions).

Fluids showing non-linear viscous behaviours, as well as

viscoelastic materials, are Complex Fluids.

Complex fluids are substances that flow at modest stresses.

DIFFERENCES
Simple Fluids

Complex Fluids

consists of only a single

phase.

binary mixtures that have

a coexistence between 2
phases.

Obeys Newtons law of

viscosity

Does not obey Newtons

law of viscosity

Low viscosity

Very high viscosity

Does not change phase.

Changes phase when

subjected to modest
deformation

less pumping energy to

drive through
equipments

more pumping energy to

drive through
equipments

EXAMPLES OF COMPLEX FLUIDS

Ice cream
Cheese
Chocolate
Ketchup
Mayonnaise
Blood
Shampoo
Tooth paste
Lip stick
Nail polish
Paint
Polymers
Pulp fiber
Drilling muds
Asphalt

RHEOLOGY
Newtonian Fluid
Viscoelastic Fluids

non-Newtonian Fluid
Viscous Fluids
Time dependent
THIXOTROPIC
RHEOPECTIC
Time independent
Bingham Plastic
Pseudo Plastic
Dilatant fluids

RHEOLOGICAL PROPERTIES
Shear viscosity

Steady-State Shear Viscosity

Transient Shear Viscosity
Storage Modulus & Loss Modulus
Loss Tangent

storage of elastic energy,

viscous dissipation of that energy
high (>>1) for materials liquid-like
low (<<1) for materials solid-like

PIPELINE TRANSPORTATION OF COMPLEX FLUIDS

poses a number of challenges in industries

During startup, a high initial pressure is necessary
flow rate begins to increase only after pressure threshold has been exceeded
pressure achieves a peak value when steady-state flow rate value is reached
During shut down, inertial term provides a negative contribution to total pressure
At the end of shut down, a residual pressure can occur
when the flow rate vanishes, pressure does not become null
Shut down before OF has completely left the pipe

Shut down after OF has left the pipe

ptot p( IF ) p(OF )
ptot p (IF )

inertial term

inertial term

TYPES OF RHEOLOGICAL RESPONSE

Shear stress vs. Shear rate

Shear stress vs. Time

Shear viscosity vs. Shear rate

SMART FLUIDS

MR Fluids - viscosity
increases when a magnetic
field is applied

ER Fluids - solidify, or
become very viscous, under
an electric field

Applications of Smart Fluids

Mechanical Engineering
Military and Defense
Optics
Automotive and Aerospace
Human Prosthesis
Shock Absorbers
Key Pads

Fast acting hydraulic valves

LIMITATIONS OF SMART FLUIDS

High density, due to presence of iron, makes them
heavy.
High-quality fluids are expensive.
Fluids are subject to thickening after prolonged use and
need replacing.
These fluids are suspensions, hence in time they tend to
settle out.