Options
Projekt Titel
Understanding of mechanical deformations in soft, porous particles under consideration of solvent-matrix interactions: experiments and coarse-grained DEM simulations
Startdatum
January 1, 2026
Enddatum
December 31, 2028
Gepris ID
Loading...
Principal Investigator
Involved external organisation
This project aims to investigate the impact of mechanical stresses on soft, porous particles during their production in packed beds. Aerogels, known for their high porosity, low density, and large surface area, are used as representative porous systems. Their production involves several extraction steps, during which the porous matrix is exposed to different solvent mixtures with varying concentration gradients. Consequently, the mechanical and structural properties of the particles undergo significant changes, which will be experimentally investigated. In addition to experimental studies, coarse-grained Discrete Element Method (DEM) simulations will be used to explore mechanical deformations during aerogel formation, particularly under conditions that cannot be easily accessed through experiments, such as those involving elevated pressure. DEM simulations will also be further developed to include the influence of solvent-matrix interactions on the mechanical behavior of gels and their response to mechanical stress. The research will begin by analyzing individual particles and gradually scale up to packed beds of varying sizes. The focus will then shift to dynamic processes during solvent exchange and supercritical drying, where DEM simulations will be integrated with Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations. The ultimate goal is to predict the mechanical behavior of the particles and define process conditions that maintain the structural integrity and desired properties of the particles during large-scale production