In silico evaluation of manufacturing concepts for non-Newtonian products

The goal is to accelerate the introduction of new & better products into the market by the simulation of manufacturing processes for complex multiphase liquid products for fast moving consumer goods (FMCG), including skin care and food. The project team consists of Unilever, CDDMtec an SME with a novel mixing platform, the University of Manchester Modelling and Simulation Centre and Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) at Sci-Tech Daresbury. The technical challenge is the development of Computation Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to incorporate the evolving non-Newtonian liquid rheology as the product is assembled and processed. This requires the construction of coupled models detailing how the interaction of materials, process and equipment design affect product rheology and performance. The results of the simulations will be tested through rapid prototyping (eg 3D printing) of promising concepts.