A model consisting of the codeformational Maxwell constitutive equation coupled to a kinetic equation for breaking and re-formation of micelles is presented to reproduce most of the nonlinear viscoelastic properties of wormlike micelles. This simple model is also able to predict shear banding in steady shear and pipe flows as well as the long transients and oscillations that accompany this phenomenon. Even though the model requires six parameters, all of them can be evaluated from single and independent rheological experiments, and then they can be used to predict other flow situations. The predictions of our model are compared with experimental data for aqueous micellar solutions of cetyltrimethylammonium tosilate (CTAT).
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