1. Synchronization of polymer molecules
23 april 2017
Synchronization of polymer molecules
Andriy Hlod \
dr. R. Koopmans
dr. ir. J. den Doelder
dr. J. Claracq
The Dow Chemical Company, Terneuzen
prof. dr. J. Molenaar
dr. ir. A.A.F. van de Ven
Eindhoven University of Technology

2. Outline Synchronization Flow instabilities Problem description
Model of polymer molecules
Model of moving molecules
Conclusions
Recommendations

3. Sync. (discovering) Christiaan Huygens (1665)
Mutual synchronization of two pendulum clocks
Coupling through beam or wall

4. Sync. (examples) Applause in theater Male fireflies flashes
Circadian rhythm

5. Sync. (definition)
Synchronization: Adjustment of rhythms of oscillating objects due to their weak interaction

6. Sync. (polymer molecules)
Polymer molecules are oscillators
Polymer molecules are coupled, they can influence oscillations of each other
Can polymer molecules be synchronized?

7. Flow instabilities (extruder)

8. Flow instabilities

9. Flow instabilities (videos)
flow stress birefringence images from Christelle Combeaud,
from CEMEF, France
for the 3PI project

10. Problem description
Is it possible that the dynamics of the polymer molecules show synchronization?
If the answer is positive, is there a relation with flow instabilities in polymers?

11. Model of a polymer molecule
Elastic dumbbell
(two beads and Maxwell element)
Kicks to compensate
energy dissipation

12. Model of a polymer molecule (kicks)

13. Model of two molecules
- Maxwell element

14. Result (model of two molecules)
Is it possible that the dynamics of the polymer molecules show synchronization?
Synchronization is possible for this specific configuration of polymer molecules.
Still to answer: Is there a relation with flow instabilities in polymers?

15. Moving molecules (flow)
Shear flow
Small region with two parallel layers of molecules

16. Moving molecules

17. Moving molecules (model)
cFE – finitely
extensible spring

18. Moving molecules (model)
D - dash-pot

19. Results (synchronization for small V)

20. Results (oscillations increase for large V)

21. Results (energy) small V Edissipation + Eoscillations = Einput
larger V
Edissipation + Eoscillations = Einput

22. Results (energy for large V)

23. Results (influence of V)
Synch Chaos E oscillations V
Vcritical
Is there a relation with flow instabilities in polymers?
Vcritical indicates the onset of instabilities in the model of moving molecules.

24. Conclusions Polymer molecules show synchronous behaviour
Model of moving molecules shows
instabilities for V> Vcritical

25. Recommendations Continue research
Use real parameters for the model of moving molecules