32nd Annual Student Research Conference
Study of the Aggregation Patterns of Asphaltenes Using Molecular Dynamics
Imesha B. Siriwardena
Dr. Kenneth Carter, Faculty Mentor
Asphaltenes are bulky compounds which present complications to the oil industry in that they have the tendency to aggregate in and obstruct pipelines. In simulation by molecular dynamics, motions are approximated using classical mechanics. Computational calculations are involved in the study since some characteristics of the aggregation process are difficult to investigate experimentally. The long-term goal of this research is to better understand the aggregation process and study how added inhibitors can prevent such aggregation. One of the challenges in this work is confirming whether equilibrium aggregation has been achieved within the duration of stimulations that are practically attainable.
Keywords: Asphaltenes, molecular dynamics, aggregation, computational
Topic(s):Chemistry
Presentation Type: Poster
Session: 9-3
Location: SUB GEO
Time: 3:00