A computer simulation of elastic effects in the two-roll mill problem

In a previous paper consideration was given to the flow of a generalised Newtonian liquid between contra-rotating cylinders — the so-called two-roll mill problem. We present here an extension to that work in which we consider the effect of elasticity on the flow. An Oldroyd three-constant model is used to characterize the fluid properties and a finite-element method used to solve the relevant equations. Results are presented for different speeds of rotation of the cylinders and for various values of the fluid parameters. A comparison is made between the effects of elasticity and of shear-thinning on the flow patterns around the cylinders.