CaDS Seminar 2026 - Jan. 27

Dr. Rodrigo Bartolomeu (SDL Complex Particle Systems)

Algorithm for numerical inversion of models for sound propagation in emulsions

Abstract:

Liquid–liquid emulsions are central to many industrial processes, yet their characterization remains challenging for concentrated or optically opaque systems. Ultrasonic Attenuation Spectroscopy (UAS) provides a non-invasive alternative to conventional techniques, but extracting particle size distributions and dispersed phase volume fraction from UAS data requires solving an ill-posed inverse problem. This talk presents a numerical inversion methodology and mathematical derivation of the Epstein–Carhart–Allegra–Hawley model with multiple-scattering corrections. The approach combines sensitivity analysis with a global optimization strategy informed by the physical characteristics of crude-oil-type emulsions, reducing reliance on prior calibration. Validation against literature data and water-in-oil emulsions with volume fractions up to 50% shows good agreement with competing techniques.