Chaotic boundaries of nematic polymers in mixed shear and extensional flows

Phys Rev Lett. 2004 Aug 20;93(8):088301. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.93.088301. Epub 2004 Aug 17.

Abstract

Chaotic orientational dynamics of sheared nematic polymers is documented in laboratory experiments and predicted by Doi-Hess kinetic theory for infinitely thin rods. We address robustness of rheochaos when simple shear is modified by a planar straining flow, and the macromolecules have finite aspect ratio. We predict persistence of sheared chaotic response up to a threshold straining flow strength and minimum aspect ratio, beyond which chaotic behavior is arrested. More intriguing, a straining component can induce chaos from periodic shear responses.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biophysics / methods*
  • Kinetics
  • Models, Theoretical
  • Nonlinear Dynamics
  • Polymers / chemistry*
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Polymers