Constitutive equations from Gaussian slip-link network theories in polymer melt rheology

Abstract

Allowing for flow-dependent slip in the junctions of a temporary junction network, we derive the constitutive equations of temporary slip-link networks. The stress tensor is determined by three material functions, namely, the time-dependent linear-viscoelastic memory function, and two strain-dependent functions describing slip and disentanglement of network strands. Slip and disentanglement are related via a mass balance for network strands.

By specifying slip and disentanglement, the constitutive equations of Lodge, Wagner, Doi-Edwards, and Marrucci are shown to be special temporary slip-link constitutive equations. To demonstrate the predictive power of temporary slip-link network theories, we compare predictions and extensional flow data with step change in flow direction.