A SIMPLE-MODEL FOR FINITELY EXTENSIBLE POLYMERS

A simple model for the calculation of configurational and rheological properties of finitely extensible polymers in flow is introduced. The finite extensibility of the chain is incorporated into the common Rous e model by varying the spring constant such that a constant contour le ngth is maintained for every flow strength. For elongational flow, a c omparison with Monte Carlo simulations of a bead-rod chain with 100 li nks yields qualitative agreement. For shear flow, this model predicts non-Newtonian flow behaviour.