VISCOSITY OF A ONE-COMPONENT POLARIZABLE FLUID

The viscosity of a one-component polarizable fluid in an electric fiel d is studied by computer simulations. The fluid viscosity increases wi th the field through three stages. In a weak field, the fluid remains Newtonian, although its viscosity increases. At this stage, while drif ting in the how direction, particles diffuse in the direction perpendi cular to the how. In an intermediate electric field, the fluid has til ted and broken chains moving with the flow and the fluid becomes non-N ewtonian. The viscosity eta and the shear rate gamma over dot have the relationship eta=eta(0)e(-gamma over dot tau), where tau is the relax ation time and eta(0) is exponentially proportional to the dipolar int eraction energy and the volume fraction. Ina strong electric held, the fluid contains condensed chains that provide yield stress and hystere sis.