Application of lubrication theory to determine yield stress in slump tests

Abstract

The slump test can determine the yield stress of slurries by measuring the slump height. The convex shape in the slumped slurry profile cannot be characterised by the Tresca criterion. Lubrication theory has been widely applied to analyse the slow flow of yield stress fluids. Thus, the present study incorporates lubrication theory and the Tresca criterion to establish a generalized model for reconstructing the slurry profile based on the yield stress. The convex profile in the lower zone can be well represented by the novel method. The predicted yield stresses by the slump tests are larger than those determined using the vane method. Slump height and spread are equally accurate for predicting yield stress via the proposed method. Overall, the combination of lubrication theory and Tresca criterion yields a good prediction of yield stress based on slump height.