COMPUTER-SIMULATIONS OF CHAIN CONFORMATIONS IN DILUTE POLYMER-SOLUTIONS UNDER SHEAR-FLOW

Using the method of Brownian dynamics simulations, we have analyzed ch ain conformations and the presence of chain overlaps and entanglements in dilute polymer solutions. The results show that polymer + polymer interactions exist in static dilute solutions as well as in solutions under shear flow. The effect of solution concentration and the shear r ate is examined. The fundamental problem of existence of chain overlap s in dilute solutions is related to the drag reduction phenomenon and is discussed. (C) 1996 American Institute of Physics.