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Vortex inhibition: A new viscoelastic effect with importance in drag reduction and polymer characterization
Author(s) -
Gordon R. J.,
Balakrishnan C.
Publication year - 1972
Publication title -
journal of applied polymer science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.575
H-Index - 166
eISSN - 1097-4628
pISSN - 0021-8995
DOI - 10.1002/app.1972.070160704
Subject(s) - drag , viscoelasticity , characterization (materials science) , reduction (mathematics) , vortex , polymer , materials science , polymer science , mechanics , classical mechanics , composite material , physics , nanotechnology , mathematics , geometry
We recently reported a new viscoelastic effect, wherein remarkably small quantities of certain high molecular weight polymers inhibit the tendency of water to form a vortex, as it drains from a large tank. This phenomenon is referred to as vortex inhibition (V.I.). Here, we examine the influence of molecular weight and molecular weight distribution on V.I. and the close relationship between those polymers which reduce drag and those which exhibit vortex inhibition. It has also been found that V.I. is a sensitive measure of polymer degradation, much more so than intrinsic viscosity. The significance of these findings in drag reduction, and for macromolecular characterization in general, is discussed.