Prediction of multiple overshoots in shear stress during fast flows of bidisperse polymer melts

We present a differential constitutive model of stress relaxation in polydisperse linear polymer melts and solutions that contains contributions from reptation, contour-length fluctuations, and chain stretching. The predictions of the model during fast start-up and steady shear flows of polymer melts are in accord with experimental observations. Moreover, in accordance with reported experimental literature (Osaki et al. in J Polym Sci B Polym Phys 38:2043–2050, 2000), the model predicts, for a range of shear rates, two overshoots in shear stress during start-up of steady shear flows of bidisperse polymer melts having components with widely separated molar masses. Two overshoots result only when the stretch or Rouse relaxation time of the higher molar mass component is longer than the terminal relaxation time of the lower molar mass component. The “first overshoot” is the first to appear with increasing shear rate and occurs as a result of the stretching of longer chains. Transient stretching of the short chains is responsible for the early time second overshoot. The model predictions in steady and transitional extensional flows are also remarkable for both monodisperse and bidisperse polymer solutions. The computationally efficient differential model can be used to predict rheology of commercial polydisperse polymer melts and solutions.     

A non-affine network model for polymer melts

In this paper, a network model of polymer melts is proposed in which network junction points move non-affinely. In this non-affine motion, junction points follow particle paths as seen by an observer rotating at the fluid element's net rigid-rotation rate. The speed at which junction points move is reduced as the network segments near their maximum extensions. In order to maintain a frame invariant model, it is necessary that the vorticity be decomposed into two portions, such that, = _R + _D . The deformational vorticity, _D , arises from shear deformation and is frame invariant while the rigid vorticity, _R , is frame dependent. A constitutive equation based on this finitely extensible network strand (FENS) motion is developed. The model illustrates how rotations that cause changes in the relative orientation of a fluid element with its surroundings can be incorporated into a constitutive equation using the deformational vorticity. The FENS model predicts a shear-thinning viscosity, and the Trouton viscosity predicted by the model is finite for all elongation rates. Finally, stochastic simulation results are presented to justify a mathematical approximation used in deriving the constitutive equation.     

A model for interpreting die swell of polymer melts

Summary We propose here a new model to interpret the most peculiar characteristics of die swelling of polymer melts.The model, which applies to short capillaries, is based on the observations that the deformation undergone by the melt entering the capillary from the reservoir is essentially elastic and that the deformation within the capillary is essentially viscous.Under these assumptions we can derive an equation for the deformation of the polymer emerging from the capillary, which is a measure of swelling.In order to check the validity of this equation swelling experiments were performed on high density polyethylene by using a technique of annealing the strands in silicon oil after extrusion.Quite satisfactory agreement between theory and experiments was found, provided that the characteristic relaxation time,, was properly evaluated. In fact it turned out that is of the order of magnitude of the time at which the shear stress fully relaxes in an experiment of stress relaxation after steady state shear flow.

---

Zusammenfassung Es wird ein neues Modell zur Erklärung der wesentlichsten Züge der Strahlaufweitung bei Polymerschmelzen vorgeschlagen. Dieses Modell, das auf kurze Kapillaren beschränkt ist, basiert auf der Beobachtung, daß die von der Schmelze beim Einströmen aus dem Reservoir in die Kapillare ausgeführte Deformation im wesentlichen elastisch, die Deformation beim Durchgang durch die Kapillare dagegen im wesentlichen viskos ist.Unter diesen Voraussetzungen wird eine Gleichung für die Deformation des aus der Kapillare austretenden Polymers angegeben, welche ein Maß für die Aufweitung liefert.Zur Prüfung dieser Gleichung werden Strahlaufweitungsexperimente mit hochdichtem Polyäthylen ausgeführt, wobei das Extrudat in Siliconöl getempert wird.Zwischen Theorie und Experimenten wird eine recht befriedigende Übereinstimmung gefunden, vorausgesetzt daß die charakteristische Relaxationszeit in angepaßter Weise bestimmt wird. Es stellt sich heraus, daß von der Größenordnung derjenigen Zeit ist, bei der die Schubspannung nach voraufgegangener stationärer Scherströmung vollständig relaxiert ist.

---

---

With 7 figures and 3 tables     

A network model with free-strand dynamics for polymer melts

 A network model for polymer melts is presented in which disentangled strands relax under flow conditions and may rejoin the network before complete relaxation. For simplicity, we study Gaussian strands that move affinely when incorporated in the network. Network strands are created and lost according to a time constant λ. Free strands have their dynamics given by the Bird-DeAguiar model as a crude representation of reptation and the hindered rotation experienced by polymer strands in melts. The model yields a shear-thinning viscosity with overshoot in the start-up viscosity η⁺ (t). The double-step strain results compare well with available experimental data. Received: 10 July 2000 Accepted: 10 July 2001     

A modified tube dilatation theory for the relaxation of entangled linear polymer melts

In this paper, the “tube dilatation” or “tube Enlargement” concept introduced by Marrucci, is revisited in the case of broad entangled linear polymer melts. Using the tube fluctuation relaxation function of Doi and a linear mixing rule, the model implicitly contains both the features of double reptation and time modification by tube renewal. It has been shown that theoretical arguments of both double reptation with tube renewal and tube dilatation can be used to take into account the effect of polydispersity on the distribution of relaxation times. The model has been tested for some polymers with various N/Ne values. However, experiments indicate that the loss of only one entanglement does not systematically induce a change of the relaxation times through a constraint release and tube renewal process. The freeing of a critical volume, larger than the volume of a tube segment, is required to induce an efficient dilution effect on relaxation times.     

Non-isothermal flow of polymer melts in a curved tube

The results of a numerical study (using finite differences) of heat transfer in polymer melt flow is presented. The rheological behaviour of the melt is described by a temperature-dependent power-law model. The curved tube wall is assumed to be at constant temperature. Convective and viscous dissipation terms are included in the energy equation. Velocity, temperature and viscosity profiles, Nusselt numbers, bulk temperatures, etc. are presented for a variety of flow conditions. Br — Brinkman number - c specific heat, J/kg K - De — Dean number - E dimensionless apparent viscosity, eq. (14d) - G dimensionless shear rate, eq. (19) - k parameter of the power-law model, °C^–1, eq. (7) - mass flow rate, kg/s - m ₀ parameter of the power-law model, Pa · s ⁿ , eq. (7) - n parameter of the power-law model, eq. (7) - Nu 2r _p/ — Nusselt number, eqs. (28,31) - p pressure, Pa - Pe — Péclet number - P —(p/)/r _c — pressure gradient, Pa/m - dissipated energy, W, eq. (29) - total energy, W, eq. (30) - r radial coordinate, m - r _c radius of tube-curvature, m, fig. 1 - r _p radius of tube, m, fig. 1 - r _t variable, m, eq. (6) - R dimensionless radial coordinate, eq. (14a) - R _c dimensionlessr _c, eq. (14a) - R _t dimensionlessr _t, eq. (14a) - t temperature, °C - bulk temperature, °C, eq. (27) - t ₀ inlet temperature of the melt, °C - t _w tube wall temperature, °C - T dimensionless temperature, eq. (14c) - T _w dimensionless tube wall temperature - T dimensionless bulk temperature - u ₁ variable, s^–1, eq. (4) - u ₂ variable, s^–1, eq. (5) - U ₁ dimensionlessu ₁, eq. (18) - U ₂ dimensionlessu ₂, eq. (18) - v velocity in-direction, m/s - average velocity of the melt, m/s - V dimensionlessv, eq. (14b) - dimensionless , eq. (15) - z r _c — centre length of the tube, m - Z dimensionlessz, eq. (14e) - heat transfer coefficient, W/m² K - shear rate, s^–1, eq. (8) - — shear rate, s^–1 - apparent viscosity, Pa · s, eq. (7) - ₀ — apparent viscosity, Pa · s - angular coordinate, rad, fig. 1 - thermal conductivity, W/m K - melt density, kg/m³ - axial coordinate, rad, fig. 1 - rate of strain tensor, s^–1, eq. (8) - (—p) pressure drop, Pa     

Assessment of nonlinear strain measures for extensional and shearing flows of polymer melts

From stress-strain experiments in extensional and shearing flows, nonlinear strain measures and effective damping functions are derived for a polyisobutylene melt. The strain measures determined in planar extensional flow and in simple shear flow coincide. Experimental results are compared with predictions of two molecular theories, the Doi-Edwards model and the molecular stress function approach of Wagner and Schaeffer. Discrepancies between theories and experiment lead to a reconsideration of the classification of extensional flows. The symmetry of the flow field is identified and quantified as an important parameter influencing the strain measure, and a unifying strain measure for general extensional and shearing flows of polymer melts is presented.     

A slit viscometer for polymer melts

Summary The construction of a new type of viscometer is described. The essential feature of this apparatus is the use of a capillary with rectangular cross-section, one side of the rectangle being at least ten times larger than the other. Membrane pressure gauges can be mounted into the capillary wall of such an apparatus without disturbing the flow pattern inside the capillary.Thus the pressure drop is measured between two points inside the capillary without a need for end corrections.The shear rate-shear stress relationship of a molten polyethylene was studied with this apparatus. The results are compared with those obtained with cylindrical capillaries.

---

Zusammenfassung Die Konstruktion eines neuen Viskosimetertyps wird beschrieben. Charakteristisch für dieses Viskosimeter ist die Verwendung einer Kapillare mit rechteckigem Querschnitt, dessen Rechteckseiten in einem Verhältnis von mindestens 101 gewählt werden. Membranmanometer können in die Kapillarwand eines derartigen Apparates eingebaut werden, ohne daß hierdurch das Strömungsprofil im Innern der Kapillare gestört wird.Auf diese Weise wird der Druckabfall zwischen zwei Stellen innerhalb der Kapillaren gemessen. Endkorrekturen werden überflüssig.Für ein geschmolzenes Polyäthylen wurde in diesem Apparat die Abhängigkeit des Geschwindigkeitsgefälles von der Schubspannung untersucht. Ein Vergleich mit den bei Verwendung zylindrischer Kapillaren erhaltenen Ergebnissen wurde angestellt.

     

A concentric-cylinder rheometer for polymer melts

Summary If one wishes to measure the viscosity of a polymer melt at high shear rates there are substantial fluid dynamical and heat transfer difficulties. Cone-plate instruments are limited because of secondary flows and because the fluid tends to leave the gap. In capillary-flow instruments, there are substantial radial temperature gradients and the possibility of flow irregularities.Similar difficulties are met in trying to study the response of melts to large-amplitude oscillatory shear, and fluid inertia must be added to the list. However, large-amplitude oscillatory shear is a test which is useful for studying non-linear viscoelasticity, and many flows of practical importance involve deformations outside the range of validity of the assumptions of linear viscoelasticity theory.A heavy duty rheometer has been designed in which shear viscosity can be measured at high shear rates, and which can also be used for large-amplitude oscillatory shear tests. The melt is sheared between concentric cylinders; the torque on the inner, stationary cylinder is monitored while the outer cylinder either rotates at steady speed or oscillates. The shear rate of frequency and amplitude are continuously variable over wide ranges.Careful consideration was given to the problems posed by hydrodynamic stability, fluid acceleration, heat generation and end effects, and the final design represents what the authors feel is a reasonable compromise between minimizing the influence of these factors and the basic practical requirement that the instrument have a reasonable cost and uncomplicated operating procedure.In large-amplitude oscillatory shear, the interpretation of the experimental results poses special problems. The stress response is periodic, but not sinusoidal so that it is not possible to apply the methods of linear viscoelasticity. A number of possibilities suggest themselves, but it has been concluded that the best method of representation involves the plotting of stress versus strain or rate-of-strain. This results in closed curves which have distinctive shapes depending on the basic nature of the fluid response.

---

Zusammenfassung Bei der Viskositätsmessung an Polymerschmelzen unter hohen Schergeschwindigkeiten treten strömungsdynamische und Wärmeübergangsprobleme in Erscheinung. Kegel-Platte-Rheometer sind nur bei relativ geringen Deformationen brauchbar, weil bei höherer Scherbeanspruchung die Meßsubstanz infolge Sekundärströmungserscheinungen bzw. Trägheitskräften aus dem Meßspalt austritt. Bei Kapillarrheometern ergeben sich unter hohen Scherbedingungen gravierende radiale Temperaturgradienten und Fließinstabilitäten.Die gleichen Probleme finden sich, wenn das Verhalten von Schmelzen bei oszillatorischer Beanspruchung mit großer Scheramplitude untersucht werden soll. Allerdings ist diese Beanspruchungsart besonders geeignet, wenn die nicht-lineare Viskoelastizität studiert werden soll — und viele praktische Strömungsverhältnisse lassen sich durchaus nicht im Rahmen der linearen Viskoelastizitätstheorie behandeln.Es wurde ein robustes Rheometer vom Couettetyp entworfen, mit dem die Scherviskosität bei hohen Schergeschwindigkeiten gemessen werden kann und das ebenso für Oszillationsversuche mit großer Scheramplitude geeignet ist. Der stetige oder oszillatorische Antrieb erfolgt auf den äußeren Zylinder, während am inneren, ruhenden Zylinder das übertragene Drehmoment gemessen wird.Besonderer Wert wurde bei dem Entwurf des Rheometers den Problemen beigemessen, die sich durch hydrodynamische Stabilität, Beschleunigungsvorgänge, Wärmeentwicklung sowie Endeffekte ergeben. Die endgültige Form des Rheometers ist in den Augen der Autoren ein vernünftiger Kompromiß zwischen der Minimierung der genannten Einflüsse und den praktischen Voraussetzungen, daß ein Rheometer nicht zu teuer ist, aber einfach zu bedienen sein muß.Die Interpretation der experimentellen Ergebnisse solcher Oszillationsversuche ist einigermaßen problematisch. Der resultierende Spannungsverlauf ist zwar periodisch, aber nicht sinusförmig, so daß die Methoden der linearen Viskoelastizität nicht anwendbar sind. Obwohl sich mehrere Möglichkeiten anbieten, dürfte die beste Darstellungsmethode der Ergebnisse durch die Auftragung der Spannung in Abhängigkeit von der Scherung bzw. der Schergeschwindigkeit gegeben sein. Dieses ergibt geschlossene Kurven, deren besonderes Aussehen durch die Eigenschaften des Testmaterials gekennzeichnet ist.

---

C Cauchy-Green strain tensor - C ^–1 Finger strain tensor - h gap spacing - k thermal conductivity - T difference between maximum and minimum temperatures in sheared fluid - II second invariant of rate-of-strain tensor;: - material constant of second-order fluid - material constant of second-order fluid - ₀ shear strain amplitude - shear rate in simple shear - ₀ maximum shear rate; equal to ₀ - rate-of-deformation tensor; grad velocity plus its transpose - material constant in eq. [8] - viscosity - ^* complex viscosity - dynamic viscosity - characteristic time of fluid - µ material constant with units of viscosity - fluid density - viscous or extra stress tensor - frequency (radians/sec.) With 3 figures     

Lubricated optical rheometer for the study of two-dimensional complex flows of polymer melts

We describe a novel optical cross-slot channel rheometer generating two-dimensional and isothermal complex flows of polymer melts. This is made possible by lubricating the channel front and back viewing windows. Flow-induced birefringence and particle tracking velocimetry are reviewed and used to investigate the cross-slot flow of a low density polyethylene melt involving mixed shear and planar extensional deformations. This new device solves the issue of end effects in flow birefringence experiments where no variations of the optical properties along the light path are expected. It greatly facilitates the interpretation of stress field data by providing reliable measurements of the polymer melt extinction angle χ$\chi$ and retardation δ$\delta$, with a spatial resolution of one tenth of a millimeter. At the same time, it offers an enhanced temperature control and an increased optical accuracy due to an improved laser beam shaping. The capabilities and performances of this unique type of lubricated rheometer are discussed in detail and compared with previous approaches.     

Polydomain model predictions of liquid crystalline polymer orientation in mixed shear/extensional channel flows

 The Larson-Doi (LD) polydomain model is used to simulate orientation development along the centerline of slit-expansion and slit-contraction flows of liquid crystalline polymers (LCPs). Orientation is computed using the LD structural evolution equations, subject to an imposed velocity field that accounts for the spatial variation of both shear and extension rates characteristic of this class of flows. Computed axial distributions of orientation averaged through the sample thickness are qualitatively similar to birefringence and X-ray scattering measurements of molecular orientation in similar flows of lyotropic and thermotropic LCPs. In slit-expansion flows, the simulations predict a 90^∘ flip in orientation direction near the midplane due to transverse stretching in the expansion region. Far away from the midplane where shear gradients dominate, orientation remains primarily along the flow direction. Within the LD model, tumbling and flow aligning materials respond in a qualitatively similar manner to mixed shear and extension, although tumbling materials are systematically more susceptible to the effects of extension. Received: 22 October 1999/Accepted: 13 January 2000     

Coarse-grained model of entangled polymer melts in non-equilibrium

A coarse-grained model developed for entangled polymeric systems and calibrated to represent melts in equilibrium (Rakshit, Picu, J Chem Phys 125:164907(1)–(10), 2006) is used to model shear flows. The model is a hybrid between multimode and mean-field representations: chain inner blobs are constrained to move along the chain backbone and the end blobs are free to move in 3D and continuously redefine the diffusion path for the inner blobs. Therefore, contour length fluctuations and reptation are captured. Constraint release is implemented by tracing the position of chain ends and performing a local relaxation of the chain backbones once end retraction is detected. This algorithm takes advantage of the multi-body nature of the model and requires no phenomenological parameters other than the length of an entanglement segment. The model is used to study start-up and step strain shear flows and reproduces features observed experimentally such as the overshoot during start-up shear flow, the Lodge–Meissner law, the monotonicity of the steady state shear stress with the strain rate, and shear thinning at large . These simulations are performed in conditions in which using a fully refined model of the same system would have been extremely computationally demanding or simply impossible with the current methods.     

Viscoelastic plastic rheological model for particle filled polymer melts

A viscoelastic plastic model for suspension of small particles in polymer melts has been developed. In this model, the total stress is assumed to be the sum of stress in the polymer matrix and the filler network. A nonlinear viscoelastic model along with a yield criterion were used to represent the stresses in the polymer matrix and the filler network, respectively. The yield function is defined in terms of differential equations with an internal parameter. The internal parameter models the evolution of structure changes during floc rupture and restoration. The theoretical results were obtained for steady and oscillatory shear flow and compared with experimental data for particle filled thermoplastic melt. The experimental data included the steady state shear strress over a wide range of shear rates, the transient stress in a start up shear flow, stress relaxation after cessation of a steady state shear flow, the step shear and the oscillatory shear flow at various amplitudes.     

A differential constitutive equation for polymer melts

A modification of the Giesekus constitutive equation is derived by incorporating (approximately, via the Peterlin approximation) the finite extensibility of polymer molecules into dumbbell kinetic theory along with the anisotropic hydrodynamic drag suggested by Giesekus. The constitutive equation that is obtained retains much of the simplicity of Giesekus' constitutive equation, but it involves terms that are cubic in the stress as well as those that are quadratic. It is shown that the constitutive equation quantitatively describes the steady elongational viscosity of the IUPAC polymer melt A (including the strain softening of the melt), but it cannot describe the elongational and shear viscosities simultaneously. It is also shown that the constitutive equation satisfies the Lodge-Meissner relation for shear strains less than unity.     

A multidirectional shear rheometer for polymer melts

A parallel plate shear rheometer for polymer melts was built for superposed shear tests in two orthogonal directions. To examine its performance, a standard test was developed, including a change of the shear direction by angles between 0° and 180°. The results were analyzed to obtain preliminary information on the multidirectional shear behavior of a low-density polyethylene melt. The measured orthogonal components of the shear force were added and then split again into components of the original and of the changed shear direction. It was found, within the range of error, that these components depend only on time and on the shear rate, but not on the angle by which the shear direction is changed. The total shear rate was 0.56 s^–1.Dedicated to Prof. Dr. Joachim Meissner on the occasion of his 60th birthday.     

Equibiaxial extensional flow of polymer melts via lubricated squeezing flow. I. Experimental analysis

The technique of lubricated squeezing flow is evaluated using experiments in both constant strain rate and constant stress flows of two low-density polyethylene melts. Experimental parameters that include the lubricant viscosity and sample aspect ratio are systematically varied to examine their effect on the viability of the technique in the linear viscoelastic regime by comparing measured quantities to those predicted by finite linear viscoelastic theory. An evaluation is also made by comparing viscosities measured using the lubricated squeezing flow technique and Meissner's rotating clamp (MAD) rheometer in the non-linear regime. In both cases, deviations between the expected and measured viscosities were observed, indicating that the technique is not applicable to large strains for constant strain rate and constant stress flows. It is suggested that this limit is the result of lubricant thinning. Received: 22 March 2000 Accepted: 31 May 2000