A numerical model of yield stress fluid dynamics in a mixing vessel

Abstract

A numerical study is conducted on the behaviour of yield stress fluids in a mixing vessel equipped with anchor agitator in laminar regime. It is shown that extending a standard Carreau model of shear thinning fluid is a suitable practice. Validations versus Couette flow analytical solution are satisfactory. Main features of local hydro-dynamics and global power consumption are described for a 2D flow. Significant changes in the flow pattern are observed for low inertia and high yield stress and the results are considered as guidelines for further laboratory experiments.