The role of surface tension on the elastic decohesion of polymeric filaments

We simulate the rapid extension of polymeric filaments between parallel pla tes with special attention to the role of surface tension in the symmetry b reaking azimuthal instability that may occur near the end plates. The insta bility is viewed as a precursor to the breakup into separate fibrils and th e eventual elastic decohesion of the filament from the plate, it is demonst rated that high Deborah numbers are needed to initiate the instability and that surface tension provides a wave number selection. Moreover, the surfac e tension has a stabilizing effect on the end plate instability. (C) 2001 T he Society of Rheology.