A network scission model for wormlike micellar solutions: I. Model formulation and viscometric flow predictions

Abstract

In this paper a network model for wormlike micellar solutions is presented which incorporates scission and reforming of the chains, based on a discrete version of Cates’ ‘living polymer’ theory. Specifically we consider two elastically active Hookean species: long chains which can break to form two short chains, which can themselves recombine to form a long chain. The chains undergo rupture at a rate dependent on the local elongation and deformation rate. This two species model, developed ultimately to enable understanding of inhomogeneous flows, is examined in this paper for various deformations; steady-state shear flow, step strain, extension, and linear small amplitude oscillatory flow in homogeneous conditions. We also examine how systematic variations in the model parameters affect the rheological predictions and material functions.