Frame-invariant formulation of novel generalized Newtonian fluid constitutive equation for polymer melts

In this work, the frame-invariant formulation of a new generalized Newtonian fluid (GNF) constitutive equation is proposed. Viscosity is considered as a specific function of the second and third invariant of the strain rate tensor and of the second invariant of the objective velocity gradient. The GNF model was successfully tested using experimental data taken from the open literature for different high and low density polyethylene melts with varying amounts of long-chain branches utilizing steady-state shear, uniaxial, and planar extensional viscosities plotted as a function of the strain rate. © 2020 Author(s)