Grant: Research Tools and Instruments

The equipment requested is a compact and modular rheometer system. It measures a fluid or fluid like material's response (shear rate) to an applied force (shear stress) and provides the viscosity of Newtonian fluids or the rheological properties (e.g., dynamic viscosity, yield stress, modulus) of complex non-Newtonian fluids such as oil-water emulsions, nanofluids, and ice slurries. These measurements are crucial in the research of multiphase flow and phase change phenomena in energy systems and harsh environment engineering. The requested rheometer has superior precision, with a minimum torque of 1 nNm for rotation (and 0.5 nNm for oscillation), a maximum torque of 230 mNm, and a maximum angular velocity of 314 rad/s. The equipment also has accurate control of temperature (+/-0.03 oC) in the range of -30 to 200 oC. Its stainless steel measurement geometry components have good compatibility with saltwater. This equipment will be the first of its kind at Memorial University and the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador to provide comprehensive rheological characterization in harsh environment conditions. The subfreezing temperature and saltwater capabilities are essential for icing modelling and developing ice protection technologies in harsh marine environment. The requested equipment is urgently needed for a wide range of research programs (many NSERC-funded) including (1) Multiphase flow and phase change heat transfer, (2) Carbon capture and storage, (3) Sustainable energy systems for northern regions, (4) Multiphase processes in hydrogen production, and (5) Ice accretion modeling and icing protection. Acquiring this equipment will enhance Memorial's research capability in the strategic areas of ocean, energy, and harsh environment. The equipment also complements our world-class Harsh Environment Research Facility (HERF) in serving the University and industry in the province and beyond. The research activities supported by this equipment will have a significant impact on the provincial and Canadian economy. It will provide a better understanding of the complex multiphase flow and phase change phenomena in energy systems (e.g., oil/gas pipelines, wind turbines, marine vessels, hydropower plants), leading to better designs, higher energy system efficiency, and improved safety and infrastructure reliability in harsh environments. The equipment will also make a great contribution to the training of HQP in several disciplines (Mechanical, Process, Ocean and Naval Architecture, Physics, and Chemistry) at Memorial University. It will help the HQP to acquire a fundamental understanding of the viscoelastic properties of many fluids and fluid like materials. The HQP will also gain hands-on experience in rheological characterization, high precision stress measurement, and accurate low temperature control.