The behavior of suspensions of rigid particles in a non-Newtonian fluid isstudied in the framework of a nonlinear homogenization method. Estimates forthe overall properties of the composite material are obtained. In the case of aHerschel-Bulkley suspending fluid, it is shown that the properties of asuspension with overall isotropy can be satisfactory modeled as that of aHerschel-Bulkley fluid with an exponent equal to that of the suspending fluid.Estimates for the yield stress and the consistency at large strain rate levelsare proposed. These estimates compare well to both experimental data obtainedby Mahaut et al [J. Rheol. 52, 287-313 (2008)] and to experimental data foundin the literature.

Homogenization approach to the behavior of suspensions of noncolloidal particles in yield stress fluids