Vorticity structuring and Taylor-like velocity rolls triggered by gradient shear bands

Abstract

We suggest a novel mechanism by which vorticity structuring and Taylor-like velocity rolls can form in complex fluids, triggered by the linear instability of one dimensional gradient shear banded flow. We support this with a numerical study of the diffusive Johnson-Segalman model. In the steady vorticity structured state, the thickness of the interface between the bands remains finite in the limit of zero stress diffusivity, presenting a possible challenge to the accepted theory of shear banding.