COMPUTER-SIMULATION OF AN ELECTRORHEOLOGICAL FLUID

A Brownian dynamics computer simulation of an electrorheological fluid is reported. The model is based on a dipole-dipole interaction modified at short range to provide a comparison with more realistic, although complicated, interaction potentials for polarizable particles. Non-equilibrium methods are used to evaluate the viscosity, yield stress and shear modulus as a function of field strength. Fibrillation has been observed and the rheological results are qualitatively similar to experimental data. However, the simulated yield stress is an order of magnitude smaller than the maximum that can be attained by real fluids. A theoretical expression is developed for the yield stress which is discussed in relation to the results and published experimental data. © 1990.