Theory of rheology

The structure of the modern theory of rheology is discussed to show the assumptions and limitations. Rheology is discussed as a branch of continuum mechanics to determine the relationships between stress, strain, and strain rate which will give a closer representation of lubricant properties than the Newtonian flow equation. Rheology is also investigated as a branch of chemical physics. Consideration is limited to those theories of nonpolymeric and polymeric fluids which can represent viscoelasticity in terms of identifiable and measureable molecular characteristics. The possibility that elastic liquids may rupture in shear and linear tension analogous to the failure of solids is proposed.