Journal of Non-Newtonian Fluid Mechanics, Vol.76, No.1-3, 233-247, 1998
The dynamics of two dimensional polymer nematics
The orientation dynamics of a monolayer of a nematic polymer solution were examined for both extensional and simple shear flows. In extensional flow, a 'strong flow/weak flow' criteria was investigated and found to occur at a critical rate of strain that was predicted by the simple molecular model of Doi and Hess. In simple shear flow, evidence of director wagging and flow alignment was obtained.