Vibrational Effects On Particle Sedimentation in Complex Fluids

Particle sedimentation in complex fluid products is rarely desirable and rheological modification is frequently used to guard against such instabilities. However, a fluid rheology that prevents sedimentation under static conditions may not be useful during transport when a wide range of vibrational frequencies is encountered. This work studies the vibration-induced sedimentation of particles suspended in yield-stress fluids using video observations. Comparisons are made with theoretical predictions and national transport guidelines, while the effects of thixotropy are also examined.