Understanding Viscoelasticity

1. Front Matter

   Pages I-XIII

   PDF

2. Tensor Notation

   • Nhan Phan-Thien

   Pages 1-25

3. Rheological Properties

   • Nhan Phan-Thien

   Pages 27-38

4. Kinematics and Equations of Balance

   • Nhan Phan-Thien

   Pages 39-57

5. Constitutive Equation: General Principles

   • Nhan Phan-Thien

   Pages 59-84

6. Inelastic Models and Linear Viscoelasticity

   • Nhan Phan-Thien

   Pages 85-99

7. Steady Viscometric Flows

   • Nhan Phan-Thien

   Pages 101-108

8. Polymer Solutions

   • Nhan Phan-Thien

   Pages 109-129

9. Suspensions

   • Nhan Phan-Thien

   Pages 131-139

10. Back Matter

    Pages 141-146

    PDF

This book presents an introduction to viscoelasticity; in particular, to the the­ ories of dilute polymer solutions and melts, and dilute suspensions of rigid particles in viscous and incompressible fluids. These theories are important, not just because they apply to practical problems of industrial interest, but because they form a solid theoretical base upon which mathematical tech­ niques can be built, from which more complex theories can be constructed, to better mimic material behaviour. The emphasis is not on the voluminous cur­ rent topical research, but on the necessary tools to understand viscoelasticity at a first year graduate level. 1 Viscoelasticity, or Continuum Mechanics, or Rheology (certainly not to be confused with Theology) is the science of deformation and flow. This def­ 2 3 inition of was due to Bingham, who, together with Scott-Blair and Reiner, helped form The Society of Rheology in 1929. Rheology has a distinguished history involving high-profile scientists. The idea that everything has a time scale, and that if we are prepared to wait long enough then everything will flow was known to the Greek philosopher Heraclitus, and prior to him, to the 4 Prophetess Deborah - The Mountains Flowed Before The Lord. Not surpris­ ingly, the motto of the Society of Rheology is 1ravra pet (everything flows), a saying attributed to Heraclitus.

• Applied Mathematics
• Polymer solutions
• Rhe
• Rheology
• Viscoelasticity
• basics
• mechanics
• fluid- and aerodynamics

From the reviews:

 "In Understanding Viscoelasticity: Basics of Rheology, Nhan Phan-Thien, who has produced several substantial contributions in rheology over the past three decades, provides a concise account of the behavior of real materials . . . Suitable as a text for a first-year graduate course in viscoelastic materials, the book provides students with some necessary tools to read and better understand technical articles in the field . . . Among the book’s many positive attributes are the clear introductory remarks that begin each chapter. Concepts leading to material functions are well introduced and defined. Nice historical tidbits, sprinkled throughout, convey valuable information on scientists of note and the remarkable scientific advances for which they are famous. Homework problems with ample pedagogical and mnemonic value appear at the end of each chapter . . . Understanding Viscoelasticity is a joy to read and will be very useful to motivated students."

PHYSICS TODAY

"In this small textbook a brief introduction into the rheological branch of viscoelasticity is given. … In contrast to other monographies in rheology, the present one results from lecture notes of a short introductory course … . some interesting historical notes on the pioneers of rheology are given. The book can be recommended as a first introduction into the matter … ." (Technische Mechanik, Vol. 25 (2), 2005)

"This book is a good introduction to the theory of viscoelasticity. The author presents the fundamentals of continuum mechanics together with mathematical background in a unified description. … The book gives a detailed and clear treatment of the subject. Each chapter contains interesting problems. On balance, this is a useful work." (Dorin Iesan, Zentralblatt MATH, Vol. 1036 (11), 2004)

"Suitable as a text for a first-year graduate course in viscoelastic materials, the book provides students with some necessary tools toread and better understand technical articles in the field. … Among the book’s many positive attributes are the clear introductory remarks that begin each chapter. Concepts leading to material functions are well introduced and defined. Nice historical tidbits, sprinkled throughout, convey valuable information … . Understanding Viscoelasticity is a joy to read and will be very useful to motivated students." (Daniel De Kee, Physics Today, July, 2003)

• Mechanical Engineering Department, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore

  Nhan Phan-Thien

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