Kinetic theory of discontinuous shear thickening

Abstract

A simple kinetic theory to exhibit a discontinuous shear thickening (DST) is proposed. The model includes the collision integral and the friction from environment as well as a thermostat term characterized by $T_{\rm ex}$. The viscosity of this model is proportional to $\dot\gamma^2$ for large shear rate $\dot\gamma$, while it is Newtonian for low $\dot\gamma$. The emergence of the DST is enhanced for lower density and lower nonzero $T_{\rm ex}$.