DC1 will perform a comprehensive study of the effect for different types of pre-shear protocols probing structural characteristics (local cluster / void density, bond distributions, cluster anisotropy, and spatial or dynamic heterogeneities) and flow profiles (looking into slip and banding effects), both at steady state and during transient response. Investigate different routes to phase separation, introduction of memory effects and creation of new metastable states, at dilute and concentrated gels. Link the above with mechanical properties (linear and nonlinear response). Tools will include rheometry in combination with confocal microscopy, DDM and light scattering. Experiments will be combined with computer simulations performed in-house (BD simulations) and in collaboration with UU (Lattice-Boltzmann / Stokesian Dynamics) and E. del Gado (Georgetown).Methods and protocols will be implemented in industrial systems for energy applications (with SUNL and ADV) utilizing combined conductivity-rheometry experiments.
Industrial secondment: The DC will be at SUNL (17M/M14-M31) during which s / he will work on industrial slurries for optimized anode manufacturing using the techniques and experience gained by shear-tuning model colloidal gels. ADV (1M/M32): Work on industrial system for energy application, following pre-shear protocols of model gels;
Academic secondments: UU (1M/M13): Experience in computer simulations and analysis of experimental results.
