Multi-scale modeling of biofilm detachment in fluid with a poroviscoelastic model

• Applicant: Professorin Dr. Insa Neuweiler, since 8/2021
• Subject Area: Hydrogeology, Hydrology, Limnology, Urban Water Management, Water Chemistry, Integrated Water Resources Management
• Term: from 2019 to 2022
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 426819984

The detachment of biofilms is probably the only process in biofilm reactors which balances the growth of biomass. Therefore, controlling the detachment process plays an important role in the stability of the bio-reactors. Modeling biofilm detachments mathematically (or numerically) helps to control the reactors to approach the maximum efficiency, and even has the potential for aiding the design of biofilm reactors. In this project, a multi-dimensional poroviscoelastic biofilm model which captures detachment, also due to the sloughing of biofilms induced by the flow shear, will be developed. The detachment will be described based on the shear stress acting on the biofilm surface and the stress field in the biofilm. The model will be calibrated and validated with experiments. One-dimensional (1D) models are usually applied for biofilm modeling in reactors. For this reason, an up-scaled 1D model is planned to be developed based on the validated multi-dimensional detachment model.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• Ehemaliger Antragsteller: Dr.-Ing. Dianlei Feng, until 7/2021