Study of Solid Distribution and Permeability of Extruded Samples Using X-ray Micro-tomography

N Gopinathan1, X Jia1, R A Williams1 and E H Stitt2

1Institute of Particle Science and Engineering, University of Leeds LS2 9JT United Kingdom, X.Jia@leeds.ac.uk

2Johnson Matthey Catalysts, Belasis Avenue, Billingham, Cleveland TS23 1LB United Kingdom

ABSTRACT

Extrusion is extensively used in many industries for final product delivery. Material anisotropy is sometimes an undesired phenomenon during this process as it affects the properties of the finished products. This study looks at two samples delivered through extrusion using X-ray micro- tomography and tries to classify the final structure obtained using fractal dimension analysis. Flow simulations through the extruded sample is then performed using Lattice Boltzmann simulations, revealing channelling inside the porous structure.

Keywords X-ray micro-tomography, Extrusion, Lattice Boltzmann simulations, Fractal dimensions