Steady states of the 1D Doi-Onsager model in the strong shear flow (Q620035)

The Doi-Onsager model describing the dynamical states in dilute polymeric fluids is analyzed. It is considered the behavior of chain molecules or rod particles. This model can describe phase transition phenomena in the weak flow or in general shear flows. It is known that the equilibrium in the shear flow differs from Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution without flow. All equilibria of the Doi equation on the circle under strong shear flows are calculated here. The critical points of the interaction intensity \(\alpha\) among particles and the shear rate \(\gamma\), which determine the states of the particles in the general one dimension shear flow, are discussed. The equilibrium of these particles depends on the competition between parameters \(\alpha\) and \(\gamma\). When the interaction intensity \(\alpha\) is less than the first critical point \(\alpha_1 \approx \text{4.083}\) or larger than the second critical point \(\alpha_2 \approx \text{5.125}\), the steady state of these molecules is uniquely determined by \(\alpha\) and \(\gamma\), where \(\gamma\) can be arbitrary. But when \(\alpha \in |\alpha_1, \alpha_2|\), there are multiple steady states of these particles. There are possible one, two or three equilibria depending on the shear rate \(\gamma\). Not all equilibria are stable and the number of stable equilibria depends on the energy functional. Presented analysis is partly consistent with the results obtained by \textit{G. Marrucci, P. L. Maffettone}, [J.~Non-Newtonian Fluid Mech.~59, 73--91 (1995)].