Simulation of relaxation-induced dilatancy

The aim of this work was to model math. the microscopic mechanisms and parameters that might contribute to the proposed phenomenon of relaxation-​induced dilatancy (Gane P.A.C., Tappi Fundamentals 1997)​.  The numerical simulations carried out suggest that the non-​hydrodynamic interactions between particles are able to store energy when the coating layer is being compressed e.g. by the pressure pulse of a coating blade.  Relaxation of the stored energy has a potential to expand the system vol. and induce dilatancy under conditions of water loss or during inertial upconcn.  The interparticle forces resulting from polymeric material, through the depletion mechanism, are most probable causes for the proposed phenomenon.