Topics will include the principles of rheology, both in general
and for specific fluids, and the molecular and structural parameters
governing non Newtonian flow. In addition to measurement techniques
both in the laboratory and in line, the application of the concepts
to process plant design and to process fluids will be
emphasised. The objectives of the course are to provide a thorough
understanding of the mechanisms of flow encountered in
processing non Newtonian fluids, the techniques available for
characterising these fluids, and the consequences of fluid
rheology in the design of process machinery and the
performance of the final product.
Practical methods in using rheological characterisation to model
stages in processing will be demonstrated. The latest methods
for describing the rheology of these materials will also be discussed.
The use of constitutive equations in quality control and
process control applications will be addressed.
Representatives of several instrument manufacturers will be present
with a range of equipment.
OUTLINE OF THE COURSE
The course will consist of morning and afternoon sessions for the first
four days, and a morning session on the fifth day. These periods will
include lectures, discussion of selected problems, demonstrations and
laboratory workshops. The lectures will be given by acknowledged
experts from industry and academia. Course work will ensure hands
on experience on a wide variety of rheological
instrumentation and the interpretation of data obtained.
The emphasis throughout will be on the rheology of fluid
processing. All participants will receive extensive notes covering
and supplementing the content of the lectures and laboratory sessions.
BACKGROUND
Some knowledge of rheology will be desirable, but not essential.
Background notes will be sent out to participants in advance. The
various topics will be dealt with at a level that will enable those
attending to apply the work to practical industrial situations The
course will be suitable for postgraduate students, academics, and of
course scientists and engineers working in research, product
development or production in a wide range of commercial enterprises;
the plastics, pharmaceutical, oil, paint, food and textile industries
being a few examples.
LECTURES
Basic concepts of rheology; viscosity and rheological concepts in
industry; the theoretical basis for rheology; the molecular basis for
flow; the rheological behaviour of non-Newtonian fluids in shear and
extension; yield stress; the flow of anisotropic liquids and nematic
liquid crystals; the viscometric behaviour of suspensions and
emulsions; the theory & practice of rheological measurement;
on-line rheometry for monitoring & control; the application of
laboratory data to the processing situation; the importance of rheology
to the processing of polymers; the rheology of industrial processes
such as pumping, mixing, extrusion and extruders, flow in pipes, drag
reduction, lubrication, fibre spinning, coating and spraying; the
rheology of biological fluids and foods; numerical simulation and flow
visualisation.
LABORATORY SESSIONS
Using a range of instruments, these will include:
For further information, phone, fax or e-mail to
Dr N E Hudson, on
Tel: +44 (0)141-548 2162
Fax: +44 (0)141-548 4822
e-mail: n.e.hudson@strath.ac.uk