Extensional Instability in Complex Fluids: A Computational Study

Abstract: In this study, instability and failure in complex fluids (Elastoviscoplastic fluids) is explored using the classic Considère (F˙ < 0) and stress curvature (σ¨ < 0) criteria. Employing the Saramito model, numerical simulation of the extensional protocol on non-Newtonian fluids is carried out. Validation is firstly performed (with a purely viscoelastic model) and in general found to be in agreement with previous works. Parameter variation of the Bingham number (Bi), capillary number (Ca) and extension rate (ε˙) is then undertaken. It is found out that for Oldroyd-B based fluids, the stress curvature condition almost always occurs from inception of the flow for all cases. Additionally, increasing surface tension has a stabilizing effect on the extending fluid when it is below a critical value, above which it aids breakup. Increasing the yield stress, though, delays the onset of instability, but reduces the final length of the extending filament. At mild to high extension rates, the Considère criterion and the extension at the maximum stress are suit-able indicators of the final extension at strain-to-break(εST B). Furthermore, the rate of the of necking instability till final breakup varies with the εST B at moderate to high ε˙.