Brownian Dynamics Simulation for Shear Flow of Entangled Polymer Systems Using a Reversible Network Model

Abstract

Brownian dynamics simulations for entangled polymer systems were carried out using a reversible network model, which represents the network structure of polymers as a suspension of elastic dumbbells that have two states, i.e. active and dangling. The effects of both shear rates and entanglement strength on the orientation behavior of polymers were analyzed. Polymers generally tend to align well in the flow direction and the degree of orientation increases with increasing the shear rate. However, the dependence of the degree of orientation on the shear rate is not monotonic because of the active/dangling transition. The change in the ratio of active/dangling dumbbells remarkably affects the orientation behavior. Furthermore rheological properties of the present system were investigated. This system shows shear-thinning viscosity and positive N₁ and negative N₂.