Dynamic Response of Particle-Filled Polymeric Fluids in Flows with Complex Lagrangian Time Histories

The primary objective of this ground investigation is to exploit the unique flight data from the Shear History Extensional Rheology (SHERE, SHERE-II, SHERE-R) investigations to better understand the dynamic rheology of particle-filled polymeric fluids in complex flows. These fluids, encountered in manufacturing processes such as fiber spinning, hydraulic fracturing, and roll-to-roll film production, experience alternating regimes of shear and extension in a Lagrangian frame. By using SHERE’s microgravity dataset, the study seeks to isolate the interplay between polymer stresses, particle orientation, and flow disturbances—effects that cannot be cleanly separated in Earth’s gravity. The overarching goal is to develop quantitative predictions and mechanistic insights into how particles alter extensional flow responses, strain hardening, and energy dissipation in viscoelastic suspensions.