Homogenization approach to the behavior of suspensions of noncolloidal particles in yield stress fluids

Abstract

The behavior of suspensions of rigid particles in a non-Newtonian fluid is\nstudied in the framework of a nonlinear homogenization method. Estimates for\nthe overall properties of the composite material are obtained. In the case of a\nHerschel-Bulkley suspending fluid, it is shown that the properties of a\nsuspension with overall isotropy can be satisfactory modeled as that of a\nHerschel-Bulkley fluid with an exponent equal to that of the suspending fluid.\nEstimates for the yield stress and the consistency at large strain rate levels\nare proposed. These estimates compare well to both experimental data obtained\nby Mahaut et al [J. Rheol. 52, 287-313 (2008)] and to experimental data found\nin the literature.\n