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Alternating Vorticity Bands in a Solution of Wormlike Micelles

Journal Article · · Physical Review Letters
; ; ;  [1];  [2]
  1. Institute of Food Science and Nutrition, ETH Zurich, 8092 Zurich (Switzerland)
  2. Laboratory for Neutron Scattering, ETH Zurich and Paul Scherrer Institute, CH-5232 PSI Villigen (Switzerland)
We report on structural characterization of vorticity bands formed in a wormlike micellar solution by Rheo-small-angle neutron scattering and video imaging experiments. Below a critical shear stress {tau}{sub c} in Newtonian and shear-thinning regime, only a minor flow alignment of the micelles is observed. Above {tau}{sub c}, in the shear-thickening regime, alternating transparent and turbid bands are formed. Triggered small-angle neutron scattering shows different anisotropic patterns in both bands indicating strongly aligned structures. By high-speed video imaging, we show that such an alignment of micelles does not correspond to a phase of lower viscosity.
OSTI ID:
21024274
Journal Information:
Physical Review Letters, Journal Name: Physical Review Letters Journal Issue: 15 Vol. 99; ISSN 0031-9007; ISSN PRLTAO
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English