Description The dynamics of systems constituted by fine droplets suspended in another liquid (emulsions) is extremely important in many engineering processes. Due to their relevance, these flows have been studied extensively over the past century. Nevertheless, the characteristics of emulsified systems involving ferrofluid phases are still relatively unknown. In this project the student will be investigating the rheological properties of moderately dense emulsions of ferrofluid droplets embedded in a non-magnetizable medium under the effect of a constant magnetic field. The work will be carried out using an in-house OpenFOAM solver developed by Dr Paolo Capobianchi. Key objectives

Performing two-dimensional simulations considering arrays of ferrofluid droplets undergoing deformation under to the combined effect of shear and a constant magnetic field. Analysis and interpretation of the results, i.e., evaluation of the morphological characteristics of the drops under different flow conditions. Evaluation of the rheological properties of the emulsion (effective viscosity and normal stress difference) using a theoretical model developed by Dr Paolo Capobianchi.