M.  Whittle, Journal of Non-Newtonian Fluid Mechanics, 37, (1990) 233-263              

Computer Simulation of an Electrorheological Fluid

Martin  Whittle

Abstract

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.

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