This book presents an introduction to viscoelasticity; in particular, to the theories of dilute polymer solutions and dilute suspensions of rigid particles in viscous and incompressible fluids. These theories are important, not just because they apply to practical problems of industrial interest, but because they form a solid theoretical base upon which mathematical techniques can be built, from which more complex theories can be constructed, to better mimic material behaviour. The emphasis is not on the voluminous current topical research, but on the necessary tools to understand viscoelasticity at a first year graduate level. The main aim is to provide a still compact book, sufficient at the level of first year graduate course for those who wish to understand viscoelasticity and to embark in modeling of viscoelastic multiphase fluids. To this end, a new chapter on Dissipative Particle Dynamics (DPD) was introduced which is relevant to model complex-structured fluids. All the basic ideas in DPD are reviewed, with some sample problems to illustrate the methodology.
From the reviews:
"In Understanding Viscoelasticity: Basics of Rheology, Nhan Phan-Thien, who has produced several substantial contributions in rheology over the past three decades, provides a concise account of the behavior of real materials . . . Suitable as a text for a first-year graduate course in viscoelastic materials, the book provides students with some necessary tools to read and better understand technical articles in the field . . . Among the book's many positive attributes are the clear introductory remarks that begin each chapter. Concepts leading to material functions are well introduced and defined. Nice historical tidbits, sprinkled throughout, convey valuable information on scientists of note and the remarkable scientific advances for which they are famous. Homework problems with ample pedagogical and mnemonic value appear at the end of each chapter . . . Understanding Viscoelasticity is a joy to read and will be very useful to motivated students."
PHYSICS TODAY
"In this small textbook a brief introduction into the rheological branch of viscoelasticity is given. ... In contrast to other monographies in rheology, the present one results from lecture notes of a short introductory course ... . some interesting historical notes on the pioneers of rheology are given. The book can be recommended as a first introduction into the matter ... ." (Technische Mechanik, Vol. 25 (2), 2005)
"This book is a good introduction to the theory of viscoelasticity. The author presents the fundamentals of continuum mechanics together with mathematical background in a unified description. ... The book gives a detailed and clear treatment of the subject. Each chapter contains interesting problems. On balance, this is a useful work." (Dorin Iesan, Zentralblatt MATH, Vol. 1036 (11), 2004)
"Suitable as a text for a first-year graduate course in viscoelastic materials, the book provides students with some necessary tools toread and better understand technical articles in the field. ... Among the book's many positive attributes are the clear introductory remarks that begin each chapter. Concepts leading to material functions are well introduced and defined. Nice historical tidbits, sprinkled throughout, convey valuable information ... . Understanding Viscoelasticity is a joy to read and will be very useful to motivated students." (Daniel De Kee, Physics Today, July, 2003)
"In Understanding Viscoelasticity: Basics of Rheology, Nhan Phan-Thien, who has produced several substantial contributions in rheology over the past three decades, provides a concise account of the behavior of real materials . . . Suitable as a text for a first-year graduate course in viscoelastic materials, the book provides students with some necessary tools to read and better understand technical articles in the field . . . Among the book's many positive attributes are the clear introductory remarks that begin each chapter. Concepts leading to material functions are well introduced and defined. Nice historical tidbits, sprinkled throughout, convey valuable information on scientists of note and the remarkable scientific advances for which they are famous. Homework problems with ample pedagogical and mnemonic value appear at the end of each chapter . . . Understanding Viscoelasticity is a joy to read and will be very useful to motivated students."
PHYSICS TODAY
"In this small textbook a brief introduction into the rheological branch of viscoelasticity is given. ... In contrast to other monographies in rheology, the present one results from lecture notes of a short introductory course ... . some interesting historical notes on the pioneers of rheology are given. The book can be recommended as a first introduction into the matter ... ." (Technische Mechanik, Vol. 25 (2), 2005)
"This book is a good introduction to the theory of viscoelasticity. The author presents the fundamentals of continuum mechanics together with mathematical background in a unified description. ... The book gives a detailed and clear treatment of the subject. Each chapter contains interesting problems. On balance, this is a useful work." (Dorin Iesan, Zentralblatt MATH, Vol. 1036 (11), 2004)
"Suitable as a text for a first-year graduate course in viscoelastic materials, the book provides students with some necessary tools toread and better understand technical articles in the field. ... Among the book's many positive attributes are the clear introductory remarks that begin each chapter. Concepts leading to material functions are well introduced and defined. Nice historical tidbits, sprinkled throughout, convey valuable information ... . Understanding Viscoelasticity is a joy to read and will be very useful to motivated students." (Daniel De Kee, Physics Today, July, 2003)