Parallel superposition of small- and large-amplitude oscillations upon steady shear flow of polymer fluids

The parallel superposition of small- and large-amplitude oscillations upon steady shear flow of elastic fluids has been considered. Theoretical results, obtained by numerical methods, are based upon the Leonov viscoelastic constitutive equation. Steady-state components, amplitude, and phase angle of oscillatory components of the shear stress, the first and second normal-stress differences as a function of shear rate, deformation amplitude, and frequency have been calculated. These oscillatory components include the first harmonic of the shear stresses and the first and second harmonic of the normal stresses. In the case of small-amplitude superposition, the effect of the steady shear flow upon frequency-dependent storage and loss moduli has been determined and compared with experimental data available in the literature for polymeric solutions and melts. In the case of large-amplitude superposition, the effect of oscillations upon the steady shear flow characteristics has been determined and compared with our experimental data for a polymeric melt. The experimental results for shear stress components have been found to be in good agreement with theoretical predictions, although there are some deviations for storage modulus at high shear rates. The deviations seem to be dependent on material. Moreover, the theory is unable to describe experimental data available for the first harmonic of normal stresses.