Forming a composite model for non-Brownian suspensions

Abstract

We propose a two-part composite model to describe the rheology of non-Brownian suspensions. The stress response is composed of the sum of a matrix part (Tm) described by a multi-mode Oldroyd-B model and a second component (To) which is assumed to be a Thompson–Souza Mendes model. We show how to determine the parameters to satisfy agreement with experiments in steady viscometric flows, uniaxial elongation flows, small to medium size sinusoidal strains, and reversing shear strain rates. Where possible, comparison is made with computations. Agreement with experiments and computations is reasonable, but more accurate computations and experiments would be welcome.