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EPSRC Reference: GR/S03423/01
Title: Unstructured Dynamically Adaptive-Graph Methods for Non-linear Dynamics of Branched Polymer Melts in Flow
Principal Investigator: Read, Professor DJ
Other Investigators:
Kelmanson, Professor MA McLeish, Professor T
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Department: Applied Mathematics
Organisation: University of Leeds
Scheme: Standard Research (Pre-FEC)
Starts: 15 September 2003 Ends: 14 September 2005 Value (£): 106,427
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Materials Processing Non-linear Systems Mathematics
Rheology
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
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Panel History:  
Summary on Grant Application Form
We propose to go beyond mean-field theory in the calculation non-linear rheological response of branched entangled polymer melts. We shall develop a numerical simulation tool, by creating representations of branched polymer chains as meshes , in which the information nodes of the mesh are placed along the chain contour co-ordinates. The information carried at each mesh point will be the variables, such as tube orientation and chain stretch, relevant to a tube-model calculation of stress. Such meshes will allow us to solve the evolution equations of these variables under flow, with explicit coupling between different polymer segments in the chain. The method, once developed, will be applied to several classes of branched polymers, including metallocene, and LDPE. Experimental data will be available from other projects to evaluate the calculations. It is hoped that this approach will resolve a current mystery of the apparent failure of a predicted topological renormalisation with flow rate. At a later stage, we hope to use the simulations to evaluate and further develop approximate methods for the prediction of branched polymer rheology, which make use of topological statistics for chain segments.
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Organisation Website: http://www.leeds.ac.uk