Strain rate dependent properties of a simple fluid

The strain rate dependence of a range of rheological properties of the Weeks-Chandler-Andersen fluid at the Lennard-Jones triple point is investigated by non-equilibrium molecular dynamics simulation. A moderately large system size and very long simulation times have yielded data in the very low strain rate regime with relatively high statistical precision. The strain rate variation of the shear viscosity cannot be accounted for by a single square-root functional form. Some functional forms consistent with the data are discussed.