Stress singularities in non-Newtonian stick-slip and edge flows (Q1321577)

The use of \(J\)-integral methods for inelastic stick-slip and edge flows is demonstrated. We predict the strength and form of the singularity from simple integrals over the main flow; this method has been used to correct the numerical estimate of singularity strength in Richardson's Newtonian analysis. The intensification of stress and/or velocity gradients due to viscosity variations is shown using a biviscosity model. Intensity factors connected to the easily computed \(J\)-integrals are found for power-law fluid singularities both for the stick-slip and edge flow cases.