| Abstract: | Several observations are made regarding the role of nonhomogeneous shearing rates in the process of flow-induced fibrillar crystallization from solution. The flow geometry chosen in the present analysis is that occurring in the annular region between two concentric cylinders. Computational evaluation and discussion of the effect of stress-induced diffusion is presented in terms of the elastic dumbbell model. Significant variations in concentrations in the annular region are predicted at full development. Estimates of the dynamics of development of these profiles indicate that the length to capillary radii for full development depends upon the molecular weight of the polymer and the relative dimensions of the concentric cylinders. These results indicate the important role of stress-induced diffusion in the process of thickening of fibrillar crystals. |
