Fluid Mechanics and Rheology of Liquid Crystalline Polymer Flows: Fundamental Science and Technological Applications

摘要

This report summarizes the research work done during the period covered by the AFOSR grant. The PI investigated the flow-orientation coupling and pattern formation in flows of liquid crystalline polymers. Both short and long range elasticity due to the microstructure formation in the macromolecular material can impact on the flow stability. Various experimental phenomena have been modeled by the hydrodynamic theory developed in the project. Several new theories for polymer-liquid crystal polymer mixtures and polymer-clay nanocomposites have been developed providing a solid foundation for the next phase of study on the macromolecular fluids.