Rheology of shear thickening suspensions and the effects of wall slip in torsional flow

The rheological characterisation of concentrated shear thickening materials suspensions is challenging, as complicated and occasionally discontinuous rheograms are produced. Wall slip is often apparent and when combined with a shear thickening fluid the usual means of calculating rim shear stress in torsional flow is inaccurate due to a more complex flow field. As the flow is no longer “controlled”, a rheological model must be assumed and the wall boundary conditions are redefined to allow for slip. A technique is described where, by examining the angular velocity response in very low torque experiments, it is possible to indirectly measure the wall slip velocity. The suspension is then tested at higher applied torques and different rheometer gaps. The results are integrated numerically to produce shear stress and shear rate values. This enables the measurement of true suspension bulk flow properties and wall slip velocity, with simple rheological models describing the observed complex rheograms.     

The impact of non-DLVO forces on the onset of shear thickening of concentrated electrically stabilized suspensions

This paper exposes an extension of an activation model previously published by the authors. When particles arranged along the compression axis of a sheared suspension, they may overcome the electrostatic repulsion and form force chains associated with shear thickening. A percolation-based consideration allows an estimation of the impact of the force chains on a flowing suspension. It suggests that similar to mode coupling models, the suspension becomes unstable before the critical stress evaluated from the activation model is reached. The percolated force chains lead to discontinuous shear thickening. The model predictions are compared with results from two experimental studies on aqueous suspensions of inorganic oxides; in one of them, hydration repulsion and in the other hydrophobic attraction can be expected. It is shown that the incorporation of non-Derjaguin–Landau–Verwey–Overbeek forces greatly improve predictions of the shear thickening instability.     

Internal viscosity in polymer kinetic theory: shear flows

The Gaussian closure method and Brownian dynamics simulations have been used to calculate the shear material properties of a dilute solution of Hookean dumbbells with internal viscosity. Results for the zero-shear-rate material properties and small amplitude oscillatory shear material properties have been found analytically, and numerical results for the steady state shear material properties are also presented. Two interpretations of the stress tensor are investigated and results are compared. Brownian dynamics simulations are used to obtain material properties of the Hookean dumbbell with internal viscosity without approximations. These simulation results are compared with the perturbation solution of Booij and van Wiechen as well as with a new Gaussian closure solution. Also presented are the contracted distribution functions as derived from the Gaussian closure method and from Brownian dynamics simulations.     

A new non-linear higher-order shear deformation theory for large-amplitude vibrations of laminated doubly curved shells

A consistent higher-order shear deformation non-linear theory is developed for shells of generic shape, taking geometric imperfections into account. The geometrically non-linear strain-displacement relationships are derived retaining full non-linear terms in the in-plane displacements; they are presented in curvilinear coordinates in a formulation ready to be implemented. Then, large-amplitude forced vibrations of a simply supported, laminated circular cylindrical shell are studied (i) by using the developed theory, and (ii) keeping only non-linear terms of the von Kármán type. Results show that inaccurate results are obtained by keeping only non-linear terms of the von Kármán type for vibration amplitudes of about two times the shell thickness for the studied case.     

Brownian Dynamics simulation of reversible polymeric networks

In this paper we describe the construction of a Brownian Dynamics simulation of reversibly cross-linked networks. The simulation differs from existing analytical approaches and computer simulations of networks in the sense that we also take the topology of the network into account. The motion of the junction points between different molecules is not prescribed but is calculated from a force balance. This makes it possible to measure the effect of network reorganisations on the stress relaxation. The response of networks to shear flow is measured and analysed in terms of transient network theory and within the framework of linear viscoelasticity. It is shown that the average motion of the junction is affine but that there is a long time diffusive process around the affine path. It was found that, even in systems with Gaussian chains and fixed association and disociation rates, a shear thickening of the viscosity and primary normal stress coefficient can occur. The reason was found to be that dangling segments are recaptured by the network before they had the opportunity to fully relax to the equilibrium state where the probability of reattachment to the network increases linearly with the length of a segment. Due to this mechanism the fraction of long segments present in the network is increased. This explanation of shear thickening seems to be consistent with experimental findings.     

Likelihood and expected-time statistics of monodomain attractors in sheared discotic and rod-like nematic polymers

Employing a mesoscopic Doi tensor model, we develop transient statistical properties of sheared nematic polymer monodomains consistent with typical experimental protocols. Our goal is to convey to the experimentalist a list of expected outcomes, based not only on properties of the nematic liquid and imposed flow rate, but also on the timescale of the experiment and variability in the initial conditions. Step 1 is deterministic: we solve the model equations completely, then compile the flow-phase diagram of all monodomain attractors and phase transitions versus nematic concentration and Peclet number (shear rate normalized by molecular relaxation rate). Step 2 is to overlay on the phase diagram a statistical diagnostic of the expected time, t_A, to reach a small neighborhood of every attractor A. The statistics are taken over the arbitrary quiescent director angle on the sphere, modeling experiments that begin from rest. Step 3 is to explore parameter regimes with multiple attractors, where we statistically determine the likelihood of convergence to each attractor. These statistical properties are critical for any application of theoretical models to the interpretation of experimental data. If t_A is longer than the timescale of the experiment, attractor A is never fully resonated and the relevant stress and scattering predictions are those of the transients, not the attractor. In bi-stable and tri-stable parameter regimes, which are typical of nematic polymers, a distribution of monodomains of each type will populate the sample, so experimental data must be compared with weighted averages based on the likelihood of each attractor (see Grosso et al (2003) Phys Rev Lett 90:098304). The final step is to give statistics of shear stress and normal stress differences during the approach to each attractor type, as well as typical paths of the major director that are contrasted with the results of Van Horn et al (Rheol Acta (2003) 42(6):585–589) with Leslie-Ericksen theory.     

Perspectives on shear banding in complex fluids

In this review, I present an idiosyncratic view of the current state of shear banding in complex fluids. Particular attention is paid to some of the outstanding issues and questions facing the field, including the applicability of models that have “traditionally” been used to model experiments; future directions and challenges for experimentalists; and some of the issues surrounding vorticity banding, which has been discussed theoretically and whose experiments are fewer in number yet, in many ways, more varied in character.     

Green's function for incremental nonlinear elasticity: shear bands and boundary integral formulation

An elastic, incompressible, infinite body is considered subject to plane and homogeneous deformation. At a certain value of the loading, when the material is still in the elliptic range, an incremental concentrated line load is considered acting at an arbitrary location in the body and extending orthogonally to the plane of deformation. This plane strain problem is solved, so that a Green's function for incremental, nonlinear elastic deformation is obtained. This is used in two different ways: to quantify the decay rate of self-equilibrated loads in a homogeneously stretched elastic solid; and to give a boundary element formulation for incremental deformations superimposed upon a given homogeneous strain. The former result provides a perturbative approach to shear bands, which are shown to develop in the elliptic range, induced by self-equilibrated perturbations. The latter result lays the foundations for a rigorous approach to boundary element techniques in finite strain elasticity.     

Structural rearrangements in hairy-rod polymer solutions undergoing shear

 We report on a rheooptical investigation of hairy-rod poly(p-phenylene) solutions at different concentrations and temperatures. These polymers have a reasonably high persistence length (about 28 nm) and behave as worm-like chains in dilute solutions, whereas they form nearly spherical fractal aggregates with internal anisotropy at higher concentrations. By exposing these systems to time-dependent simple shear and following the evolution of birefringence in start-up and its subsequent relaxation upon the cessation of shear, we find a substantial broadening of the cluster size distribution, resulting from flow-induced cluster deformation and break-up. In contrast to the very dilute solutions, where polymers align in the flow direction, the deformed clusters main axes are aligned in the vorticity direction, presumably due to their strong steric local pretransitional type of ordering, with the constituent polymers following the velocity vector. At the highest concentration, which corresponds to a weak gel, shear is shown to break-up the gel and the steady-state response of a broad-size aggregate suspension is eventually recovered. Received: 18 February 1999/Accepted: 6 July 1999     

Influence of medium viscosity and adsorbed polymer on the reversible shear thickening transition in concentrated colloidal dispersions

The influence of medium viscosity on the onset of shear thickening of silica dispersions is investigated with two different methods. In the first method, the sample temperature is varied over a narrow range for two different suspensions. For the first suspension, the stress at the onset of shear thickening, or the critical stress, was found to be independent of sample viscosity, and the shear viscosity scaled with Peclet number, as expected. The critical stress for the second suspension was not independent of sample viscosity, and the Peclet number scaling was only moderately successful. The differences were attributed to changes in particle interactions with temperature. In the second method, the molecular weight of an oligomeric silicone oil medium is varied. In principle, this method should maintain constant chemical interactions as medium viscosity varies; however the polymer is found to adsorb onto the silica surface and delay shear thickening to higher stresses with increasing molecular weight. The critical stress for the highest molecular weight systems, which is highly dependent on particle loading, overlays with an effective volume fraction based on the hydrodynamic diameter of the polymer-stabilized colloids. The results of both methods suggest that if all other properties of the dispersion are held constant, critical stress is independent of medium viscosity.     

Stress relaxation due to chain fractures in transient polymer networks

Aspects of a network model for concentrated dispersions are applied to polymer networks. It is shown how network deformation caused by network fracture affects the macroscopic stress.     

A parameter investigation of shear-induced coalescence in semidilute PIB–PDMS polymer blends: effects of shear rate, shear stress volume fraction, and viscosity

In this work, drop coalescence of polymer blends under shear flow in a parallel flow apparatus was investigated by optical sectioning microscopy. In each experiment, shear rate was set at values low enough to avoid any break-up phenomena. The time evolution of the drop size distribution was determined by motorized sample scanning and iterative acquisition of stacks of images along sample depth. Drop size and location in the acquired images was found by automated image analysis techniques. A systematic experimental campaign to investigate the effects of shear rate (in the range 0.1–0.5 s⁻¹), volume fraction (2.5–10%), and viscosity of the two phases (3–63 Pa s) at different viscosity ratio (0.1–2.3) was carried out. By comparing data from different experiments, it was found that at any strain value, the average drop size decreases monotonically with the shear stress, calculated as the product of shear rate and matrix viscosity. Furthermore, the coalescence rate slowed down with increasing viscosity ratio. Overall, these results provide an extensive set of data, which can be used as a benchmark for modeling shear-induced coalescence in polymer blends.Paper presented at the Annual Meeting of the European Society of Rheology, Grenoble, April 2005.     

Oscillatory line source for water waves in shear flow

The linearized water-wave radiation problem for the oscillating 2D submerged source in an inviscid shear flow with a free surface is investigated analytically. The vorticity is uniform, with zero velocity at the free surface. Then there will be at most two emitted waves, and no Doppler effects. Exact far-field waves are derived, with radiation conditions applied at infinity. An upstream wave will always exist, whereas the downstream wave exists only when the angular frequency of oscillation exceeds the vorticity. The wave radiation problem is solved also for oscillating vortex and dipoles. The amplitudes and energy fluxes are calculated.     

Nonlinear vibrations of viscoelastic cylindrical shells taking into account shear deformation and rotatory inertia

The vibration problem of a viscoelastic cylindrical shell is studied in a geometrically nonlinear formulation using the refined Timoshenko theory. The problem is solved by the Bubnov–Galerkin procedure combined with a numerical method based on quadrature formulas. The choice of relaxation kernels is substantiated for solving dynamic problems of viscoelastic systems. The numerical convergence of the Bubnov–Galerkin procedure is examined. The effect of viscoelastic properties of the material on the response of the cylindrical shell is discussed. The results obtained by various theories are compared.     

Non-local theory solution for in-plane shear of through crack

A non-local theory of elasticity is applied to obtain the plane strain stress and displacement field for a through crack under in-plane shear by using Schmidt's method. Unlike the classical elasticity solution, a lattice parameter enters into the problem that make the stresses finite at crack tip. Both the angular variations of the circumferential stress and strain energy density function are examined to associate their stationary value with locations of possible fracture initiation. The former criterion predicted a crack initiation angle of 54° from the plane of shear for the non-local solution as compared with about 75° for the classical elasticity solution. The latter criterion based on energy density yields a crack initiation angle of 80° for a Poisson's ratio of 0.28. This is much closer to the value that is predicted by the classical crack tips solution of elasticity.     

A constitutive theory for shape memory polymers. Part II: A linearized model for small deformations

A constitutive theory is developed for shape memory polymers. It is to describe the thermomechanical properties of such materials under large deformations. The theory is based on the idea, which is developed in the work of Liu et al. [2006. Thermomechanics of shape memory polymers: uniaxial experiments and constitutive modelling. Int. J. Plasticity 22, 279-313], that the coexisting active and frozen phases of the polymer and the transitions between them provide the underlying mechanisms for strain storage and recovery during a shape memory cycle. General constitutive functions for nonlinear thermoelastic materials are used for the active and frozen phases. Also used is an internal state variable which describes the volume fraction of the frozen phase. The material behavior of history dependence in the frozen phase is captured by using the concept of frozen reference configuration. The relation between the overall deformation and the stress is derived by integration of the constitutive equations of the coexisting phases. As a special case of the nonlinear constitutive model, a neo-Hookean type constitutive function for each phase is considered. The material behaviors in a shape memory cycle under uniaxial loading are examined. A linear constitutive model is derived from the nonlinear theory by considering small deformations. The predictions of this model are compared with experimental measurements.     

The interplay between boundary conditions and flow geometries in shear banding: Hysteresis, band configurations, and surface transitions

We study shear banding flows in models of wormlike micelles or polymer solutions, and explore the effects of different boundary conditions for the viscoelastic stress. These are needed because the equations of motion are inherently non-local and include “diffusive” or square-gradient terms. Using the diffusive Johnson–Segalman model and a variant of the Rolie-Poly model for entangled micelles or polymer solutions, we study the interplay between different boundary conditions and the intrinsic stress gradient imposed by the flow geometry. We consider prescribed gradient (Neumann) or value (Dirichlet) of the viscoelastic stress tensor at the boundary, as well as mixed boundary conditions in which an anchoring strength competes with the gradient contribution to the stress dynamics. We find that hysteresis during shear rate sweeps is suppressed if the boundary conditions favor the state that is induced by the sweep. For example, if the boundaries favor the high shear rate phase then hysteresis is suppressed at the low shear rate edges of the stress plateau. If the boundaries favor the low shear rate state, then the high shear rate band can lie in the center of the flow cell, leading to a three-band configuration. Sufficiently strong stress gradients due to curved flow geometries, such as that of cylindrical Couette flow, can convert this to a two-band state by forcing the high shear rate phase against the wall of higher stress, and can suppress the hysteresis loop observed during a shear rate sweep.     

A constitutive theory for shape memory polymers. Part I: Large deformations

A constitutive theory is developed for shape memory polymers. It is to describe the thermomechanical properties of such materials under large deformations. The theory is based on the idea, which is developed in the work of Liu et al. [2006. Thermomechanics of shape memory polymers: uniaxial experiments and constitutive modeling. Int. J. Plasticity 22, 279-313], that the coexisting active and frozen phases of the polymer and the transitions between them provide the underlying mechanisms for strain storage and recovery during a shape memory cycle. General constitutive functions for nonlinear thermoelastic materials are used for the active and frozen phases. Also used is an internal state variable which describes the volume fraction of the frozen phase. The material behavior of history dependence in the frozen phase is captured by using the concept of frozen reference configuration. The relation between the overall deformation and the stress is derived by integration of the constitutive equations of the coexisting phases. As a special case of the nonlinear constitutive model, a neo-Hookean type constitutive function for each phase is considered. The material behaviors in a shape memory cycle under uniaxial loading are examined. A linear constitutive model is derived from the nonlinear theory by considering small deformations. The predictions of this model are compared with experimental measurements.