Logo image
Back
A Comprehensive Multi-Physics Framework for Modeling Nanoparticle Settling in Liquids
Journal article   Peer reviewed

A Comprehensive Multi-Physics Framework for Modeling Nanoparticle Settling in Liquids

Rahat Mollick, Hongtao Ding and Albert Ratner
Colloids and surfaces. A, Physicochemical and engineering aspects, Vol.742(Part 2), 140452
08/2026
DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfa.2026.140452

View Online

Abstract

This study develops an advanced multi-physics framework for predicting nanoparticle settling in liquids by coupling (i) fractal aggregate growth, (ii) concentration-dependent rheology and drag, (iii) hindered settling, (iv) wall/confinement effects, and (v) depth-resolved transport with mass-conserving deposition. Unlike conventional single terminal-velocity approaches, the model resolves the evolving solids field and produces property-level outputs (effective viscosity, Reynolds number and drag), local-physics outputs (time- and depth-dependent settling velocity), and column-integrated observables (settling profile and accumulated sediment fraction), enabling direct comparison to column-based stability measurements. A representative Acetylene Black–Soy Biodiesel case study is used to illustrate how viscosity-driven creeping-flow settling, concentration-dependent hindrance, and confinement-induced mobility reduction together shape the observed non-linear settling progression. Model performance is then benchmarked against literature data spanning both water-based nanofluids and fuel-based nanofuels and compared to the widely used baseline model. Across the evaluated cases, the proposed framework predicts settling times with a mean accuracy of around 96% substantially improving upon the baseline accuracy of around 71%.
 Multi-physics model Nanoparticles Nanoparticle settling Suspension stability Mathematical modeling

Details

Metrics

2 Record Views
Logo image