Fig. 4. Numerical simulation results for an injection rate of 2 × 10–8 m3 s–1 and plate separation of 0.44 mm: (a) velocity profile, (b) shear rate profile, (c) stretch rate profile, (d) shear rate to stretch rate ratio profile, with distinct regimes indicated: (I and IV) where shear is dominant, (II) where stretch is dominant, and (III) a spike due to planar stretch, which may result in the rotationally disordered hexagonal structure observed around the axial centre of the sample. The horizontal line indicates the critical value identified.
