Nonequilibrium steady states in sheared binary fluids

P. Stansell, K. Stratford, J. -C. Desplat, R. Adhikari, M. E. Cates

Published 2005-11-30Version 1

We simulate by lattice Boltzmann the steady shearing of a binary fluid mixture undergoing phase separation with full hydrodynamics in two dimensions. Contrary to some theoretical scenarios, a dynamical steady state is attained with finite domain lengths $L_{x,y}$ in the directions ($x,y)$ of velocity and velocity gradient. Apparent scaling exponents are estimated as $L_{x}\sim\dot{\gamma}^{-2/3}$ and $L_{y}\sim\dot{\gamma}^{-3/4}$. We discuss the relative roles of diffusivity and hydrodynamics in attaining steady state.