Integrated linear and nonlinear viscoelasticity of discotic liquid crystals

Theory and simulation of steady, small-amplitude, and large-amplitude oscillatory capillary Poiseuille flow of discotic mesophases are presented, discussed, and used to provide an integrated framework to characterize the rheology of precursors used in the manufacturing of carbon super-fibers. The underlying microstructural changes responsible for the non-Newtonian rheology are presented and discussed, taking into account dynamic couplings between orientation and velocity fields. Proper scaling of viscoelastic material functions leads to superposition and hence provides a better fundamental understanding of flow processes in steady and oscillatory flows. The relations between shear-thinning behavior in steady flow, elastic storage in small-amplitude oscillatory shear, and flow enhancement in pulsatile flow are established.