Plotting Particle Volume Fraction and Relative Viscosity

To monitor the progress of the simulation and evaluate the results, you create plots of particle volume fraction and relative viscosity.

You create the following plots:

  • Particle Volume Fraction

    This plot compares the simulation results, sampled along the Y-axis, with the data from the Phillips experiment. Both sets of values are plotted against the radial coordinate.

  • Relative Viscosity

    This plot compares the relative viscosity and normal relative viscosity, and illustrates the dependence of both values on the volume fraction of particles.

Before you can create the plots, you need to do the following:

  • Create a line probe derived part along the Y-axis from the center of the region to the outer wall.

  • Create the Radial_Coordinate field function.

  • Import the table of experimental data.

To set up the plots:

  1. Create a line probe derived part along the Y-axis, running from the center of the Couette device to the outer wall.
    1. Right-click the Derived Parts node and select New > Probe > Line Probe.
    2. In the Create Line Probe dialog, make the following settings:

      Setting

      Value

      Input Parts Couette
      Point 1 [0.0, 0.0, 0.0]
      Point 2 [0.0, 0.024, 0.0]
      Resolution 30
      Display No Displayer
    3. Click Create and then Close.

    A new derived part is created called Line Probe.

  2. Create a field function that evaluates the radial coordinate.
    1. Right-click the Automation > Field Functions node and select New > Scalar.
    2. Rename the User Field Function 1 node to Radial_Coordinate.
    3. Select the Radial_Coordinate node and set the following properties:
      Property Setting
      Function Name radialCoordinate
      Definition ($${Position}[1])/0.0238
  3. Import the experimental data.
    1. Right-click the Tools > Tables node and select New Table > File Table.
    2. In the Open dialog, select Experimental_Volume_Fraction.csv, and then click Open.
  4. Create the Volume Fraction plot.
    1. Right-click the Plots node and select New Plot > XY Plot.
    2. Rename Plots > XY Plot 1 to Volume Fraction Plot.
    3. Set the following properties:
      Node Property Setting
      Volume Fraction Plot Title Suspension Volume Fraction
      Parts Derived Parts > Line Probe
      X Type Data Type Scalar
      Scalar Function Field Function Radial_Coordinate
      Y Types > Y Type 1
      Scalar Function Field Function Volume Fraction > Volume Fraction of Particles
      Line Probe Legend Name Volume Fraction
      Line Style Style

      Solid Line

      Width 2
  5. Add the experimental data.
    1. Right-click the Plots > Volume Fraction Plot > Data Series node and select Add Data.
    2. In the Add Data Providers to Plot dialog, select Experimental_Volume_Fraction, and then click OK.
    3. Set the following properties:
      Node Property Setting
      Volume Fraction Plot > Data Series > Experimental_Volume_Fraction > Symbol Style Shape Filled Circle
      Color Black
      Axes > Bottom Axis > Title Title Radial Coordinate
      Axes > Left Axis > Title Title Volume Fraction of Particles
Create the Relative Viscosity plot.
  1. Create the Relative Viscosity plot.
    1. Create another XY plot and rename it to Relative Viscosity Plot.
    2. Set the following properties:
      Node Property Setting
      Relative Viscosity Plot Title Relative Viscosity
      Parts Derived Parts > Line Probe
      X Type Data Type Scalar
      Scalar Function Field Function Volume Fraction > Volume Fraction of Particles
    3. Right-click the Relative Viscosity Plot > Y Types node and select New.
      The Y Type 2 node is added.
    4. Set the following properties:
      Node Property Setting
      Y Type 1 > Scalar Function Field Function Relative Viscosity
      Line Probe Legend Name Relative Viscosity
      Line Style Style

      Solid Line

      Width 2
      Y Type 2 > Scalar Function Field Function Normal Relative Viscosity
      Line Probe Legend Name Normal Relative Viscosity
      Line Style Style

      Solid Line

      Width 2
  2. Save the simulation.