Numerical Simulation of Batch Settling in Non-Newtonian Fluids

Resumo

The study of particle sedimentation in viscous fluids plays a fundamental role in several applications

of different scientific and industrial branches. Furthermore, it is crucial to emphasize the relevance of this pro-
cedure in the control of pressures inside oil well. For instance, the transportation and suspension of sediments

during the disable operation and diminishing the hydrostatic pressure on the annular to avoid the oil well collapse.

Although the extensive applicability of the sedimentation phenomenon, the problem complexity is related to pro-
vide reliable predictions. Hence, mathematical models accomplish a considerable approach in experimental and

theoretical researches. The highly nonlinear characteristics of the model and the development of rarefaction and

shock waves in concentration profiles require appropriate numerical schemes for prediction solutions. Nonethe-
less, the employment of implicit methods is infeasible due to high computational effort. Moreover, there is an

absence of numerical-theoretical studies of the sedimentation phenomenon in non-Newtonian fluids. The present
research employs the non-oscillatory corrector-predictor explicit method developed by Nessyahu and Tadmor for
the numerical simulation of batch settling in viscoelastic fluids.