arXiv subjects

Gavin Melaugh

Publications and source records attributed to Gavin Melaugh.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Rheology of dense suspensions of granular spherocylinders by particle-based simulation

Dense suspensions of rod-shaped granular particles are widespread in nature and manufacturing, where their fluid mechanical properties are often paramount. We have developed a particle-based simulation that models such suspensions under simple shear flow, providing predictions of the viscosity and microstructure for a given solids volume fraction and particle aspect ratio. The model tracks the trajectories of spherocylindrical rods under the action of short-range frictional contact and hydrodynamic forces, inspired by similar tools that have generated new insight into suspensions of granular spheres. It incorporates new schemes for the computation of lubrication forces between spherocylinders and the dynamic determination of the timestep. For aspect ratios up to 20, the model predicts a viscosity spike at shear start-up, giving way to steady state viscosities that increase systematically with volume fraction and aspect ratio. Likewise, particle alignment increases with volume fraction up to an aspect-ratio-dependent critical point. Our model corroborates the limited experimental rheology data available for suspensions of granular rods, and offers a tool for fundamental exploration of the fluid mechanics, microstructure and rheology of this widespread material.

cond-mat.soft↗

arXiv2017

Density Dependent Cohesion Leads to Controlled Phase Separation in Brownian Suspensions

Mechanical interactions between biological cells may be mediated by secreted products, making them dependent on the local particle density. Here, we explore the generic physics of density-dependent attractive interactions. We show using Brownian dynamics simulations that density-dependent interactions can produce interesting phase separation behaviour including control of aggregate size during a spinodal decomposition-like separation process. We show that these results are generic using continuum modelling of the appropriate Cahn-Hilliard equation. Our study suggests that density-dependent interactions can provide a generic mechanism for control of aggregate size during phase separation.

cond-mat.soft↗

arXiv2015

Shaping the Growth Behaviour of Biofilms Initiated from Bacterial Aggregates

Bacterial biofilms are usually assumed to originate from individual cells deposited on a surface. However, many biofilm-forming bacteria tend to aggregate in the planktonic phase so that it is possible that many natural and infectious biofilms originate wholly or partially from pre-formed cell aggregates. Here, we use agent-based computer simulations to investigate the role of pre-formed aggregates in biofilm development. Focusing on the initial shape the aggregate forms on the surface, we find that the degree of spreading of an aggregate on a surface can play an important role in determining its eventual fate during biofilm development. Specifically, initially spread aggregates perform better when competition with surrounding unaggregated bacterial cells is low, while initially rounded aggregates perform better when competition with surrounding unaggregated cells is high. These contrasting outcomes are governed by a trade-off between aggregate surface area and height. Our results provide new insight into biofilm formation and development, and reveal new factors that may be at play in the social evolution of biofilm communities.

physics.bio-ph↗