Smoothed particle hydrodynamics techniques for the solution of kinetic theory problems. II: The effect of flow perturbations on the simple shear behavior of LCPs (Q1303151)

[For part I see the authors, \textit{A. Srinivasan} and \textit{Ö. Eǧecioǧlu}, ibid. 70, 125-164 (1996).] From the summary: The effect of slight perturbations to simple shear flow of liquid-crystalline polymers (LCPs) is explored by using the SPH technique to solve the unapproximated orientation distribution function equation arising from the Doi theory. First, the case of simple shear flow is outlined, and it is shown that skewed distributions play an important role in the transition from periodic to steady behavior as the shear rate is increased. Next, we consider perturbations to flows that are slightly more extensional than simple shear, parametrized by a flow type parameter. The effect of these perturbations on rheological behavior is also explored. Finally, it is found that, when the flow type is changed sufficiently, the interesting, non-monotonic behavior of rheological functions seen in simple shear of LCPs is replaced by monotonic behavior, even though the flow is still relatively close to simple shear.