The process of stir mixing of two viscous liquids is Simulated using the moving particle semi-implicit (MPS) method. A mixing rate is defined within the particle method to characterize the level of mixing, as the number, position, period, and rotating speed of the stirring stick(s) and liquid viscosity are changed. The motions Of liquid particles are tracked to reveal the flow field and mixing mechanisms. The variation of the mixing rate shows that the mixing rate is higher when the sticks are rotating monotonically at high speed, and an optimum position of the stick can be identified. The mixing rate does not enhance significantly when three or more sticks are employed, and the liquid viscosity has minor influences on the mixing rate. These results give useful qualitative Suggestions on controlling the mixing rate during chemical reactions. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.