Abstract
Superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) are cross-linked polymer networks with large negatively charged ion groups attached to the solid matrix (polymer chains). By the presence of these large negatively charged ion groups, Donnan osmotic pressure difference rises in and outside of the gel. The Donnan osmotic pressure difference is, as a matter of fact, the main cause for the exceptional swelling ability of SAPs. In this study, we present a dynamic mixed hybrid finite element (MHFE) model in three dimensional setting for the simulation of the finite swelling of SAPs. In this model, the normal flux is approximated using Raviart-Thomas elements, which conserve mass both locally and globally. The solid part is assumed to be isotropic and hyperelastic under isothermal conditions. The transient simulation results are verified with a semi-analytical solution in one dimension; while the 3D equilibrium results in the case of a spherical geometry are verified against the analytical solutions.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Poromechanics 2017 - Proceedings of the 6th Biot Conference on Poromechanics |
| Place of Publication | Reston |
| Publisher | American Society of Civil Engineers |
| Pages | 362-369 |
| Number of pages | 8 |
| ISBN (Electronic) | 9780784480779 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Jan 2017 |
| Event | 6th Biot Conference on Poromechanics - Ecole des Ponts ParisTech and IFSTTAR, Paris, France Duration: 9 Jul 2017 → 13 Jul 2017 https://biot2017.sciencesconf.org |
Conference
| Conference | 6th Biot Conference on Poromechanics |
|---|---|
| Abbreviated title | BIOT 6 |
| Country/Territory | France |
| City | Paris |
| Period | 9/07/17 → 13/07/17 |
| Other | A tribute to Olivier Coussy |
| Internet address |
Funding
The authors acknowledge the financial support from the Technology Foundation STW, the technological branch of the Netherlands Organization of Scientific Research and the Ministry of Economic Affairs (project number 12538).