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| Research Topics |
Numerical Simulation of Flow-Induced Structures of Complex Fluids
Anomalous flow behavior of complex fluids originates from their flow-induced structures. In this study, therefore, we analyze the effect of change in the flow-induced structure on rheological properties of complex fluids. The Brownian dynamics simulation and the multi-particle collision dynamics (MPCD) simulation were applied to the numerical simulation. Furthermore, the numerical scheme for the coupling computation of the meso-scale simulation of the flow-induced structure and the macroscopic flow computation are developing.
Numerical Simulation of Flow-Induced Structures
(Left) Brownian dynamics simulation of a polymer/clay suspension in shear flow,
(Right) MPCD simulation for a star polymer
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Flow Analysis of Complex Fluids
The flow analysis of complex fluids is useful for the design of the processing of various products made from complex fluids (such as polymers, liquid crystals, and suspensions) and also for improving the efficiency of the process.
We study the flow of complex fluids from both experimental and numerical approaches.
Flow visualization of polymeric flows
Numerical simulations for viscoelastic flows
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Flow analysis of suspensions of microorganisms
(Flow analysis of active suspensions)
The flow of suspensions of microorganisms is seen in bioreactors and in the flow in the process of bio-fuel production.
Some microorganisms move according to their surrounding environment and form various structures in the suspensions.
Schematic diagram of phototactic behavior of microalgae
Microalgae move to a place where the light intensity is suitable for photosynthesis.
Numerical simulation of bio-convection in a phototactic microalgae suspension
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Growth phenomenon of biofilm under flows
Biofilm is a slim-like complex aggregate of microorgamisms and extracellular polymer susbtances produced by microorganisms.
Both the flow and the mass transfer surrounding a biofilm affect its growth.
Schematic diagram of biofilm
Growth Process of Biofilm
Biofilm grows with repeating adhesion, growth, and detachment.
Modeling of Biofilm growth by the cellular automaton method
We developed a computational model for the simulation of biofilm growth by coupling a cellular automaton model for biofilm growth and the flow computation using the finite volume method.
Numerical Simulation of Biofilm Growth in an L-Shaped Channel
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