Velocity profiles in rectangular channel flow of liquid crystalline polymer solutions

The motion of aqueous solutions of hydroxypropylcellulose in a shallow channel was visualized by means of an electrochemical technique. Isotropic and anisotropic solutions of approximately the same viscosity were used. The velocity profiles of the liquid crystalline solution were found to be qualitatively very different from those of the isotropic one. In particular, anomalous maxima in the velocity near the side walls were observed.