Pressure-driven flow of wormlike micellar solutions in rectilinear microchannels

In this paper the inhomogeneous response of the (two species) VCM model (Vasquez et al., A network scission model for wormlike micellar solutions. I. Model formulation and homogeneous flow predictions, J. Non-Newtonian Fluid Mech. 144 (2007) 122–139) is examined in steady rectilinear pressure-driven flow through a planar channel. This microstructural network model incorporates elastically active network connections that break and reform mimicking the behavior of concentrated wormlike micellar solutions. The constitutive model, which includes non-local effects arising from Brownian motion and from the coupling between the stress and the microstructure (finite length worms), consists of a set of coupled nonlinear partial differential equations describing the two micellar species (a long species ‘A’ and a shorter species ‘B’) which relax due to reptative and Rouse-like mechanisms as well as rupture of the long micellar chains. In pressure-driven flow, the velocity profile predicted by the VCM model deviates from the regular parabolic profile expected for a Newtonian fluid and exhibits a complex spatial structure. An apparent slip layer develops near the wall as a consequence of the microstructural boundary conditions and the shear-induced diffusion and rupture of the micellar species. Above a critical pressure drop, the flow exhibits shear banding with a high shear rate band located near the channel walls. This pressure-driven shear banding transition or ‘spurt’ has been observed experimentally in macroscopic and microscopic channel flow experiments. The detailed structure of the shear banding profiles and the resulting flow curves predicted by the model depend on the magnitude of the dimensionless diffusion parameter. For small channel dimensions, the solutions exhibit ‘non-local’ effects that are consistent with very recent experiments in microfluidic geometries (Masselon et al., Influence of boundary conditions and confinement on non local effects in flows of wormlike micellar systems, Phys. Rev. E 81 (2010) 021502).     

Rheo-PIV of a shear-banding wormlike micellar solution under large amplitude oscillatory shear

We explore the behavior of a wormlike micellar solution under both steady and large amplitude oscillatory shear (LAOS) in a cone–plate geometry through simultaneous bulk rheometry and localized velocimetric measurements. First, particle image velocimetry is used to show that the shear-banded profiles observed in steady shear are in qualitative agreement with previous results for flow in the cone–plate geometry. Then under LAOS, we observe the onset of shear-banded flow in the fluid as it is progressively deformed into the non-linear regime—this onset closely coincides with the appearance of higher harmonics in the periodic stress signal measured by the rheometer. These harmonics are quantified using the higher-order elastic and viscous Chebyshev coefficients e _n and v _n , which are shown to grow as the banding behavior becomes more pronounced. The high resolution of the velocimetric imaging system enables spatiotemporal variations in the structure of the banded flow to be observed in great detail. Specifically, we observe that at large strain amplitudes (γ ₀ ≥ 1), the fluid exhibits a three-banded velocity profile with a high shear rate band located in-between two lower shear rate bands adjacent to each wall. This band persists over the full cycle of the oscillation, resulting in no phase lag being observed between the appearance of the band and the driving strain amplitude. In addition to the kinematic measurements of shear banding, the methods used to prevent wall slip and edge irregularities are discussed in detail, and these methods are shown to have a measurable effect on the stability boundaries of the shear-banded flow.     

Linear and non linear rheology of a wormlike micellar system in presence of sodium tosylate

In this experimental work, we investigate the influence of an organic counterion, sodium tosylate, on the rheological properties of an aqueous solution of CTAB at the concentration of 0.05M. With this system we can clearly see shear thickening for small salt concentrations C _s and only shear thinning behavior at higher C _s characterized by a linear evolution of η=f(γ) in a log-log representation. In these evolutions it is only in a very small domain of concentrations of the salt (near C _s =0.035M) that we can observe a nearly constant plateau of the shear stress against shear rate. The values of σ₀ (characterizing the stress plateau), G ₀ (the plateau modulus) and τ_R (the relaxation time) obtained by dynamical rheological measurements, allow to compare experimental results obtained to predicted values of the theory of Cates corresponding to the occurrence of shear induced banding structures. Received: 22 July 1997 Accepted: 3 February 1998     

Flow analysis for wormlike micellar solutions in an axisymmetric capillary channel

Flows of wormlike micellar solutions in an axisymmetric capillary channel were studied both numerically and experimentally. In the experiments, an aqueous solution of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) with sodium salicylate (NaSal) was used as a test fluid. The mole concentration of CTAB is 0.03 mol/l, and that of NaSal is 0.06 mol/l. The velocity distribution was measured with a particle tracking velocimetry and flow visualization experiments were performed. The velocity profile showed a plug-like shape and had inflection points where the velocity gradient rapidly changed. High-shear-rate regions near the channel wall spread with increasing the average velocity. Moreover, the flow turned out to be unstable at high average velocities, and when the flow was unstable, white turbidity was observed near the capillary wall. Shear rates showing a white turbidity were included in the range of shear rate where a shear-rate jump in a flow curve occurred. These results suggest that both the characteristic velocity profile and the emergence of white turbidity relate the shear-rate-jump property of wormlike micellar solution. In the numerical analysis, startup flows were considered. A modified Bautista–Manero model was employed as a constitutive equation, and startup flows at a constant average velocity were numerically simulated. The velocity profile at steady state predicted by the numerical simulation adequately agreed with corresponding experimental data. The velocity profile changes from Newton-like to plug-like with time. Inflection points in velocity profile appeared and moved towards the center-side with time. Temporal changes in both velocity gradient and fluidity indicated that the behavior in velocity depended on the shear-rate-jump property of wormlike micellar solution. The velocity gradient rapidly changed around the inflection point and the range of velocity gradient corresponds to that where a white turbidity was observed in the experiments. An erratum to this article can be found at     

Numerical rheometry of bulk materials using a power law fluid and the lattice Boltzmann method

In the present study, the flow of bulk materials is characterised as a non-Newtonian fluid and modelled using the lattice Boltzmann method. A power law and a Bingham model is implemented in the LBM, which is hydrodynamically coupled to the discrete element method (DEM) for structural interaction. The performance of both non-Newtonian models is assessed, both qualitatively and quantitatively, in benchmark problems. The validated, non-Newtonian LBM–DEM framework is then applied to the geometry of a cylindrical Couette rheometer to numerically determine the constitutive response of a sample of Leighton Buzzard sand. The numerical results, which employ the power law, are compared with experimental data, and a number of other synthetic soil samples are defined using the presented process of numerical rheometry. Finally, the numerical stress–strain rate response of the synthetic soil samples is interpreted within the context of a regularised Bingham model, and the similarities discussed.     

Microfluidic extensional rheometry using a hyperbolic contraction geometry

Microfluidic devices are ideally suited for the study of complex fluids undergoing large deformation rates in the absence of inertial complications. In particular, a microfluidic contraction geometry can be utilized to characterize the material response of complex fluids in an extensionally-dominated flow, but the mixed nature of the flow kinematics makes quantitative measurements of material functions such as the true extensional viscosity challenging. In this paper, we introduce the ‘extensional viscometer-rheometer-on-a-chip’ (EVROC), which is a hyperbolically-shaped contraction-expansion geometry fabricated using microfluidic technology for characterizing the importance of viscoelastic effects in an extensionally-dominated flow at large extension rates ( $\lambda \dot \varepsilon _a \gg 1$ , where $\lambda $ is the characteristic relaxation time, or for many industrial processes $\dot \varepsilon _a \gg 1$ s $^{-1}$ ). We combine measurements of the flow kinematics, the mechanical pressure drop across the contraction and spatially-resolved flow-induced birefringence to study a number of model rheological fluids, as well as several representative liquid consumer products, in order to assess the utility of EVROC as an extensional viscosity indexer.     

Superposition about the 3D vortex solutions of the fluid dynamic equation

ＩｎｔｒｏｄｕｃｔｉｏｎＩｔｉｓｗｅｌｌ＿ｋｎｏｗｎｔｈａｔｓｏｍｅｎｏｎｌｉｎｅａｒｄｙｎａｍｉｃｅｑｕａｔｉｏｎｓ,ｓｕｃｈａｓＫｄＶｅｑｕａｔｉｏｎ ,ｓｉｎｅ＿Ｇｏｒｄｅｎｅｑｕａｔｉｏｎ ,ｈａｖｅｅｘａｃｔｓｏｌｉｔｏｎｓｏｌｕｔｉｏｎｓ.Ａｖｅｒｙｉｍｐｏｒｔａｎｔｓｐｅｃｉａｌｉｔｙｏｆｔｈｅｓｏｌｉｔｏｎｓｏｌｕｔｉｏｎｓｏｆｎｏｎｌｉｎｅａｒｅｑｕａｔｉｏｎｓｉｓｔｈａｔｔｈｅｙｍａｙｈａｖｅａｓｕｐｅｒｐｏｓｉｔｉｏｎ ,ｉ.ｅ .,ｔｈｅｓｅｎｏｎｌｉｎｅａｒｅｑｕａｔｉｏｎｓｍａｙ…     

Probing shear-banding transitions of the VCM model for entangled wormlike micellar solutions using large amplitude oscillatory shear (LAOS) deformations

We explore the use of large amplitude oscillatory shear (LAOS) deformation to probe the dynamics of shear-banding in soft entangled materials, primarily wormlike micellar solutions which are prone to breakage and disentanglement under strong deformations. The state of stress in these complex fluids is described by a class of viscoelastic constitutive models which capture the key linear and nonlinear rheological features of wormlike micellar solutions, including the breakage and reforming of an entangled network. At a frequency-dependent critical strain, the imposed deformation field localizes to form a shear band, with a phase response that depends on the frequency and amplitude of the forcing. The different material responses are compactly represented in the form of Lissajous (phase plane) orbits and a corresponding strain-rate and frequency-dependent Pipkin diagram. Comparisons between the full network model predictions and those of a simpler, limiting case are presented.     

Superposition of low-amplitude shear vibrations on steady shear flow of an elastic fluid

The previously proposed theory of viscoelastic behavior of polymer fluids is compared with experiments on the superposition of low-amplitude shear vibrations on a steady flow. It is shown that the theory agrees satisfactorily with experiments on a single polymer solution. The superposition of a steady shear flow and low-amplitude vibrations can be used to investigate some nonlinear effects characteristic of elastic fluids by relatively simple methods. The literature devoted to this question is fairly extensive; we cite only investigations in which the main results have been obtained [1–3]. The most common experimental scheme is one-dimensional (parallel superposition), although there is also a two-dimensional scheme of orthogonal superposition of shear vibrations on steady flows. Since almost all the effects in the second scheme are qualitatively similar to the first [3], but are not so clearly manifested, we give the theoretical and experimental results relating to the parallel scheme in this paper.Translated from Izvestiya Akademii Nauk SSSR, Mekhanika Zhidkosti i Gaza, No. 1, pp. 3–7, January–February, 1976.We are grateful to É. Kh. Lipkina for help in the calculations.     

Flow of wormlike micelle solutions past a confined circular cylinder

In this paper, we present the results of an investigation into the flow of a series of viscoelastic wormlike micelle solutions past a confined circular cylinder. Although this benchmark flow has been studied in great detail for polymer solutions, this paper reports the first experiments to use a viscoelastic wormlike micelle solution as the test fluid. The flow kinematics, stability and pressure drop were examined for two different wormlike micelle solutions over a wide range of Deborah numbers and cylinder to channel aspect ratios. A combination of particle image velocimetry and pressure drop measurements were used to characterize the flow kinematics, while flow-induced birefringence measurements were used to measure the micelle deformation and alignment in the flow. The pressure drop was found to decrease initially due to the shear thinning of the test fluid before increasing at higher flow rates as elastic effects begin to dominate the flow. Above a critical Deborah number, an elastic instability was observed for just one of the test fluids studied, the other remained stable for all Deborah number tested. Flow-induced birefringence and velocimetry measurements showed that observed instability originates in the extensional flow in the wake of the cylinder and appears not as periodic counter-rotating vortices as has been observed in the flow of polymer solutions past circular cylinders, but as a chaotic rupture event in the wake of the cylinder that propagates axially along the cylinder. Reducing the cylinder to channel aspect ratio and the degree of shearing introduced by the channel walls had a weak impact on the stability of the flow. These measurements, when taken in conjunction with previous work on flow of wormlike micelle solutions through a periodic array of cylinders, definitively show that the instability can be attributed to a breakdown of the wormlike micelle solutions in the extensional flow in the wake of the cylinder.     

Effects of demixing on suspension rheometry

It is well known that particles in initially well-mixed suspensions subjected to inhomogeneous shear flows can migrate and establish particle concentration gradients and non-Newtonian velocity profiles. In this study we introduce a modified version of the shear-induced migration model to predict transient torque reductions in torsional startup flows and transient pressure drop reductions in capillary developing flows. Special attention is devoted to the relationship between the evolution of the driving forces and various mechanisms that contribute to the shear-induced migration of the suspended particles. This analysis reveals that suspension rheometry can complement other techniques, such as nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) imaging, in qualitatively and quantitatively evaluating the model parameters. Received: 20 May 1997 Accepted: 21 January 1998     

Structure and rheology of wormlike micelles

In a semi-dilute aqueous solution under certain conditions, surfactant molecules will self assemble to form wormlike micelles. The micelles are dynamic in structure since they can break and reform, providing an additional mode of relaxation. The viscoelastic properties of the wormlike micelles can be predicted using simple theological models. For many surfactant solutions the mechanical data can be related to the optical data by the stress-optical rule. From the viscoelastic data it is possible to estimate the breaking time of the micelle. The techniques of birefringence and small angle light scattering are used to study the microstructure of a surfactant solution under simple shear and extensional flow. The sample under investigation is a solution of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide and sodium salicylate in water, with a salt to surfactant ratio of 7.7. Below a critical shear rate, the birefringence increases linearly with shear rate and the stress-optical rule is valid. The SALS patterns reveal distinctive butterfly patterns indicating that scattering is a result of concentration fluctuations that moderately couple to the flow. However, above a critical shear rate the birefringence plateaus and the stress-optical rule is no longer valid. SALS patterns show both a bright streak and a butterfly pattern. The bright streak is caused by elongated structures aligned in the direction of the flow. The oriented structures occur when the characteristic time of flow is faster than the breaking time of the micelles.Dedicated to Prof. Dr. J. Meissner on the occasion of his retirement from the chair of Polymer Physics at the Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule (ETH) Zürich, Switzerland     

Flow of wormlike micelle solutions through a periodic array of cylinders

Solutions of self-assembled wormlike micelles are used with ever increasing frequency in a multitude of consumer products ranging from cosmetic to industrial applications. Owing to the wide range of applications, flows of interest are often complex in nature; exhibiting both extensional and shear regions that can make modeling and prediction both challenging and valuable. Adding to the complexity, the micellar dynamics are continually changing, resulting in a number of interesting phenomena, such as shear banding and extensional flow instabilities. In this paper, we present the results of our investigation into the flow fields generated by a controllable and idealized porous media: a periodic array of cylinders. Our test channel geometry consists of six equally spaced cylinders, arranged perpendicular to the flow. By systematically varying the Deborah number, the flow kinematics, stability and pressure drop were measured. A combination of particle image velocimetry in conjunction with flush mount pressure transducers were used to characterize the flow, while flow induced birefringence measurements were used to determine micelle deformation and alignment. The pressure drop was found to decrease initially due to the shear thinning of the test fluid, and then exhibit a dramatic upturn as other elastic effects begin to dominate. We present evidence of the onset of an elastic instability in one of the test fluids above a critical Deborah number manifest in fluctuating transient pressure drop measurements and asymmetric streamlines. We argue that this disparity in the two test fluids can be attributed to the measurable differences in their extensional rheology.     

Shear rheometry and visualization of glass fiber suspensions

The nonlinear rheological behavior of short glass fiber suspensions has been investigated in this work by rotational rheometry and flow visualization. A Newtonian and a Boger fluid (BF) were used as suspending media. The suspensions exhibited shear thinning in the semidilute regime and weaker shear thinning in the transition to the concentrated one. Normal stresses and relative viscosity were higher for the BF suspensions than for the Newtonian ones presumably due to enhanced hydrodynamic interactions resulting from BF elasticity. In addition, relative viscosity of the suspensions increased rapidly with fiber content, suggesting that the rheological behavior in the concentrated regime is dominated by mechanical contacts between fibers. Visualization of individual fibers and their interactions under flow allowed the detection of aggregates, which arise from adhesive contacts. The orientation states of the fibers were quantified by a second order tensor and fast Fourier transforms of the flow field images. Fully oriented states occurred for shear rates around 20 s^− 1. Finally, the energy required to orient the fibers was higher in step forward than in reversal flow experiments due to a change in the spatial distribution of fibers, from isotropic to planar oriented, during the forward experiments.     

On the oscillating shear rheometry of magnetorheological elastomers

Critical issues of the oscillating shear rheometry with disc-shaped elastomer specimens are exemplified. A torsional oscillation method to characterise magnetorheological elastomers (MREs) using a rheometer is introduced and compared to the standard procedure with disc-shaped specimens. Advantages and disadvantages of the method are identified. It is shown that the rheometry with rod-like specimens provides more reliable data, which are easier to reproduce. The method also allows characterisation of MREs in a not pre-strained condition, an aspect which importance is demonstrated. Moreover, it opens an easy way to characterise permanently magnetised MREs with a complex composition using conventional rheometers.     

Extensional and shear rheometry of oriented triblock copolymers

 The effects of extensional flow orientation on the rheological properties of two poly(styrene)-poly(ethylene-co-butylene)-poly (styrene) (PS-PEB-PS) triblock copolymers containing either spherical or cylindrical PS microdomains were studied by oscillatory shear and oscillatory extensional experiments. Extensional measurements revealed that below the PS block glass transition temperature pre-oriented triblocks display highly anisotropic mechanical properties. For both polymers, the storage modulus E ′ is higher along the flow direction. Above the PS glass transition temperature the materials are no longer anisotropic and the same storage moduli are obtained along the flow direction and perpendicular to it. Above the PS glass transition temperature the rheological behaviour parallel and perpendicular to the flow direction was also probed in pre-oriented and non-oriented samples by oscillatory shear rheometry. At high frequencies, the mechanical response of the triblocks was found to be independent of the orientation for both copolymers while at low frequencies a strong effect of the flow orientation could be observed. For both polymers the value of the storage modulus was found to be lower along the flow direction that perpendicular to it. This was explained by the ability of PS blocks to relax more easily along the flow direction. Received: 10 September 1999/Accepted: 1 October 1999     

Using rheometry to determine nucleation density in a colored system containing a nucleating agent

A new suspension-based rheological method was applied to experimentally study the crystallization of a nucleating agent (NA) filled isotactic polypropylene. This method allows for determination of point nucleation densities where other methods fail. For example, optical microscopy can fail because nucleation densities become too high to be counted (materials with effective NA) or crystallites are not easily visible (colored materials), while differential scanning calorimetry does not allow the effect of flow to be studied. Both quiescent and mild-shear-induced crystallization were investigated. The results show that the addition of a nucleating agent increases the nucleation density by six decades for quiescent crystallization. The effect of shear on crystallization in the presence of a nucleating agent was assessed, and it is demonstrated that, at least for this system, the effect of shear is much smaller than the effect of the nucleating agent.     

Superposition of photoelastic data

The fringe order and twice the isoclinic angle define a vector which allows to superimpose photcelastic data originating from identical locations by vectorial addition. The method holds true also for slices of the stress-freezing method. In a check of this method, the curves of pure bending result.