Development of a rheological model for polymeric fluids based on FENE model

Rheological models for polymer solutions and melts based on the finitely extensible non-linear elastic (FENE) dumbbell theory are reviewed in this study. The FENE-P model that is a well-known Peterlin approximation of the FENE model, indicates noticeable deviation from original FENE predictions and also experimental results, especially in the transient flow. In addition, both FENE and FENE-P models have some shortcomings from the point of view of theory. To overcome these shortcomings, a new approximation of the FENE spring force has been established. It has been used to develop a modified constitutive rheological model for polymeric fluids. In the procedure of modeling, the effect of non-affine deformation is introduced into the new model. Comparison between the model predictions and experimental data presented in the literature for transient and steady shear flow of polystyrene indicates that this modified model can predict the rheological behavior of polymeric fluids with a great accuracy. The newly developed modified model could predict different slopes that can cover the behavior of most of the polymeric fluids.