HYDRODYNAMIC CHARACTERISTICS OF ELECTRORHEOLOGICAL FLUID IN A PARALLEL DUCT FLOW

Abstract

An experimental investigation is conducted to clarify the hydrodynamic characteristics of ERF with elastic particles of smectite in a two-dimensional parallel duct of various widths. Experimental data on pressure difference to a volumetric flow rate in a supplying D.C. electric field are measured. These data are arranged to obtain the apparent viscosit by using the integral method of rheology. From the data of apparent viscosity, the wall friction coefficient is obtained. The increment of the apparent viscosity caused by the applying electric field is a function of shear rate as well as the electric field strength and the width of the duct. However, the wall friction coefficient is not a function of elecric field strength and the width of the parallel duct, but only of shear rate. The yield stress is a function of the width of the parallel duct as well as of electric field strength. The ratio of Non-Newtonian viscosity in the apparent viscosity is varied by the intensity of the shear rate.