Laminar flow of polymer solutions at high shear rates.

Abstract

The theory of steady, laminar, one-dimensional Poiseuille flow of high molecular weight polymers in aqueous solutions is presented for the general case of the fluid exhibiting anomalous surface effects at the solid wall. A capillary viscometer was used to determine the rheological properties over intermediate and high shear rates. Polymer adsorption and separation phenomena account for the different flow curves obtained for various calillary diameters. A mathematical model correlated the experimental data and explained the polymer behavior. The analysis showed the importance of capillary diameter and applied shear stress in explaining the anomalous flow behavior.