Rheometry and Polymer Processing [ LMAPR2018 ]

icampus website : > https://icampus.uclouvain.be/claroline/course/index.php?cid=MAPR2018

The prerequisite(s) for this Teaching Unit (Unité d’enseignement – UE) for the programmes/courses that offer this Teaching Unit are specified at the end of this sheet.

I. Introduction  : industrial polymer processing, non Newtonian fluids, continuum mechanics refresher

II. Shear viscosity, normal forces and elongational viscosity: observations and phenomenological models

III. Flow through a channel

IV. Capillary rheometry and extrusion defects

V. Origin of viscoelastic effects; notions of rheological models; introduction to processing flow simulation

VI. Cone-plate and plate-plate rheometric flow; Elongational flow

VII Major industrial polymer processing operations : rheological aspects, technology and applications

Contribution of the course to the program objectives

With respect  to the LO of the programme KIMA, this activity contributes to the development and acquisition of the following LO:

• LO 1 : 1.1, 1.2
• LO 3 : 3.1, 3.3
• LO 4 : 4.1, 4.2, 4.4
• LO 5 : 5.1, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6

Specific learning outcomes of the course

At the end of this course, the student will be able to

• LO1.1. : Understand and explain the scientific concepts underpinning polymer processing and rheometry
• LO1.1. : Understand and explain the functioning of major polymer processing operations and rheometry techniques
• LO1.2. : use relevant models and theories described in literature to predict the functioning of major polymer processing operations and corresponding rheometric measurements
• LO3.1 : document and  summarize the scientific, technological and industrial state of the art for a particular  class of polymer processing operations or rheometric measurement method
• LO3.3 : prepare a report on the state of the art and current challenges/perspectives for a particular class of of polymer processing operations or rheometric measurement method
• LO4. : work in team to analyze an issue and prepare a seminar + a report for a given class of polymer of polymer processing operations or rheometric measurement method
• LO5. : present and defend a seminar and a report on polymer processing or rheometry in a rigorous, up to date  and attractive way, with the right balance between the parts on scientific, technological and industrial practice aspects.

The contribution of this Teaching Unit to the development and command of the skills and learning outcomes of the programme(s) can be accessed at the end of this sheet, in the section entitled “Programmes/courses offering this Teaching Unit”.

The students will be individually graded based on the objectives indicated above. More precisely, the evaluation involves the grading of :

• The presentation of a project in groups of two or three on a scientifically challenging and industrially relevant issue linked to the course content. This project will carry 1/3 of the total mark.
• A report on a laboratory and/or a simulation projet on polymer processing or rheometry. This report will carry 1/6 of the total mark.
• An oral exam based on a list of synthetic questions prepared by the teachers and given during the year. The exam will carry 50% of the mark
• The teachers have the right to reduce the weight of one part of the mark if a deep deficiency (<8/20) is found for the other.

A combination of :

1. Ex cathedra courses : concepts are illustrated by concrete exemples taken from industrial practice and the experience of the teachers.
2. Rheometry laboratory and/or processing simulation project
3. seminars prepared and presented by the students
4. Laboratory and plant visits 

I. Introduction  : industrial polymer processing, non Newtonian fluids, continuum mechanics refresher

II. Shear viscosity, normal forces and elongational viscosity: observations and phenomenological models

III. Flow through a channel

IV. Capillary rheometry and extrusion defects

V. Origin of viscoelastic effects; notions of rheological models; introduction to processing flow simulation

VI. Cone-plate and plate-plate rheometric flow; Elongational flow

VII Major industrial polymer processing operations : rheological aspects, technology and applications

Lecture notes on icampus, books from library according to subjects

This course requires basic knowledge of polymer science and continuum mechanics