Structure evolution features of electro-rheological fluids induced by particles' mass

Considering the mass effect and the short-range interaction of multi-particles, we conducted a molecular dynamic simulation of the structural evolution features of electro-rheological (ER) fluids based upon the equivalent conduction model. We also devised and constructed an equipment, then observed the Poiseuille flow. The results of the experiment were compared with those of simulation. The conclusion is that, when the mass effect is considered, the peak-value of the changing velocity in transition zone decreases, and the period to form the plug zone prolongs. The effect becomes remarkable with the increasing particles' mass and the width of the plug zone. The Poiseuille flow observed in the experiment is in accord with the simulation. The particles clinging to the electrodes are stationary, which testifies the prophecy (particles clinging to the electrodes are stationary).