Abstract
A theory is presented to predict the effective shear viscosity of concentrated dispersions in steady state shear flow as a function of the volume fraction, particle size, interparticle interactions, and shear rate. Shear thinning has been qualitatively argued to be a result of shear-induced change in microstructure, which we shall discuss in terms of the distribution function. Analysing the distribution function and the microscopic stress tensor, we have derived a memory function in steady state shear flow. It is used to calculate all the key features of shear thinning quantitatively without any adjusting parameter. The predicted shear-rate-dependent effective shear viscosity is in good agreement with the experiments of sterically stabilized colloidal suspensions. Since shear thinning has been observed in steady state shear flow as well as in oscillatory shear flow, the difference between these two flows will also be discussed in terms of the distribution functions and structural relaxations.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
