Theoretical Mechanics - Research
Vibration-Assisted Dead-End Filtration
A vibrated slurry develops a particle pressure that causes the granular phase to expand. This effect is used to unclog a filter medium in a dead-end filtration set-up. Experiments are carried out by Loughborough University (Dept Chem. Engineering) and the theoretical and simulation aspects of the project are done at Kingston. The project is supported by an EPSRC grant.
Erosion due to a Pressure Drop in Unsaturated Granular Media
Non-cohesive, unsaturated soil may be fluidized by an external pressure drop. By mathematically modelling the fluidization the extent of the fluidized region in a one-dimensional situation may be predicted as a function of time. A simultaneous small horizontal flow will then carry the fluidized material away. This effect occurs at the bottom of rivers and canals. The pressure drop may be caused by passing shipping or in certain instances by dropping the water level in, for example, the operation of a lock. The project is financially supported by the Bundesanstalt für Wasserbau in Karlsruhe.
