Theory of nonlinear rheology and yielding of dense colloidal suspensions

TL;DR

This paper develops a first principles mode coupling theory to explain nonlinear rheology and yielding in dense colloidal suspensions, highlighting the role of density fluctuation advection in shear thinning and glassy dynamics.

Contribution

It introduces a novel mode coupling framework that captures shear thinning and yielding phenomena in dense colloidal suspensions from fundamental principles.

Findings

Density fluctuation advection suppresses particle caging.

The theory explains shear thinning behavior.

It predicts dynamical yielding in colloidal glasses.

Abstract

A first principles approach to the nonlinear flow of dense suspensions is presented which captures shear thinning of colloidal fluids and dynamical yielding of colloidal glasses. The advection of density fluctuations plays a central role, suppressing the caging of particles and speeding up structural relaxation. A mode coupling approach is developed to explore these effects.