How Phase Coexistence affects the mechanical properties of heterogeneous 2D suspensions

TL;DR

This paper investigates how phase coexistence in heterogeneous 2D suspensions influences their rheological and mechanical properties, revealing significant effects on the transition from viscous to elastic behavior under shear.

Contribution

It introduces a comprehensive map linking phase coexistence with mechanical behavior in 2D suspensions, extending understanding beyond homogeneous systems.

Findings

Phase coexistence significantly alters mechanical properties.

Transition from viscous to elastic behavior depends on phase states.

Provides a benchmark for heterogeneous fluid research.

Abstract

Although numerical simulations of rheological measurements typically focus on homogeneous systems, heterogeneity can profoundly impact material properties. We report on the rheological properties of a suspension of two-dimensional Lennard-Jones particles across the gas/liquid and the gas/solid coexistence lines of the system. We show how the presence of multiple coexisting states has a significant impact on the mechanical properties of these systems when compared with their homogeneous reference counterparts. Our results establish an extended map to navigate a landscape where not only density and temperature, but also phase coexistence, dictate the transition from viscous to elastic-dominated behavior under shear. These results provides a benchmark for future research into heterogeneous fluids where the coexistence of complex dynamic states is frequently observed.