This three-year, $475,603 project grant from the National Science Foundation Division of Chemical, Bioengineering, Environmental, and Transport Systems Engineering program (CFDA 47.041) will fund the development of experimental, theoretical, and computational methods to predict the behavior of dense suspensions of frictionless particles, such as those found in landslides, mudslides, and underwater avalanches.
Specifically, the awardee Cornell University will use advanced microscopy, rheology, and imaging techniques to study particle interactions and microstructure under shear forces. Discrete element modeling and simulations will provide insight into cluster formation. Nonlocal constitutive equations accounting for viscous stresses and inertial impacts on clusters will be derived and applied to model practical sediment flows. Experimental flows will also be designed and studied. Results will be incorporated into Cornell coursework and various outreach activities are planned to inspire K-12 student interest in engineering applications. This work seeks to advance understanding of dense particle suspensions to improve modeling of natural disasters and aid new material development.
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