Emergence of Purely Elasto-Plastic Turbulence in Shear Flows

TL;DR

This paper reports the discovery of a new elasto-plastic turbulence state in yield-stress fluids driven by elasticity, showing complex interactions that can lead to fluidization and enhanced momentum transport.

Contribution

It introduces a novel flow state driven by elasticity in yield-stress fluids, highlighting the role of plasticity in turbulence and flow behavior without inertia.

Findings

Identification of a new elasto-plastic turbulent state

Non-monotonic relationship between unyielded volume fraction and plasticity

Plasticity can promote fluidization and enhance momentum transport

Abstract

We observe the emergence of a distinct, elasticity-driven flow state in a yield-stress fluid in the absence of inertia. Numerical simulations show that this elasto-plastic turbulent state is characterized by a broad spectrum of fluctuations in velocity and stress. Results show a non-monotonic relationship between the volume fraction of the unyielded flow and plasticity. Surprisingly, we find that above a critical value of plasticity, the system can fluidize. Our results reveal the complex interplay between elasticity and plasticity in simple shear flows, indicating that plasticity can enhance rather than hinder momentum transport.