Fibre orientation in shear flows

The mechanical properties of a paper sheet are strongly coupled to the fibre orientation. The orientation of the fibres is determined early in the papermaking process, where the mass concentration of fibres is typically below 1%. In the proposed master thesis work the orientation of fibres, suspended in a shear flow, will be studied experimentally. It is of particular interest to see how the fibres are influenced, in terms of the orientation, when the shear flow undergoes a retransition from turbulent flow to laminar conditions.

The work will be performed at the Department of Mechanics at KTH in collaboration with STFI-Packforsk AB. STFI-Packforsk AB is one of the world's leading R&D companies in the fields of pulp, paper, graphic media, packaging and logistics. The activities range from basic research to direct commission, where our expert skills and know-how are utilised to find solutions for customers to apply in their operations. STFI-Packforsk head office is situated in Stockholm, adjacent to the Royal Institute of Technology, KTH. The company also has offices in Kista, a suburb to Stockholm, and in Örnsköldsvik.

The successful candidate should be self-going and have an analytical mind. Good knowledge in fluid mechanics is advantageous.

Please send your updated and relevant CV and grades to Allan Carlsson at allan@mech.kth.se. For further information please email allan@mech.kth.se or call 08 – 790 94 92.