The stability of two stratified non-Newtonian liquids in Couette flow (Q1094946)

Consideration is given to the stability of the interface between two Oldroyd liquids with shear-dependent viscosities, flowing in distinct layers while undergoing plane Couette flow. Results are presented as regions of stability in the plane determined by the logarithms of the viscosity and depth ratios. The work of previous authors for two Newtonian, power-law and constant-viscosity Oldroyd liquids is revealingly presented in a similar fashion. It is found that the dependence of the viscosities on shear-rate can drastically affect the regions of interfacial stability in a way over and above that due to just a change in the effective viscosity ratio. It is also found that for the Oldroyd liquids this viscosity variation affects the stability when it is present in the less-viscous layer.