A structural analysis of concentrated, aggregated colloids under flow

Using both instantaneous snapshots and simulation generated scattering data , the steady-state flow behaviour of a concentrated aggregated colloidal su spension is analysed in terms of its structure factor S(k). We find that in the shear thinning regime, unlike model hard sphere results, S(k) exhibits pre-peaks at small k, which we interpret as indicative of intermediate ran ge order in the shear induced melt. The pre-peak disappears upon the onset of an ordered state of flow at high shear rates, which, like hard sphere re sults, exhibit Bragg-like peaks in S(k). These ordered states are associate d with the so-called string phases.