Stokes layers in complex fluids

Stokes’s second problem is reconsidered for three models of complex fluids: an elasto-viscoplastic fluid, a thixotropic viscoplastic fluid and a discontinuously shear-thickening fluid. In each case, the Stokes-layer dynamics is interrogated with a view to examining the signatures of the detailed rheology. Significant deformations are possible below the yield stress for elasto-viscoplastic fluids as a result of the excitation of elastic waves, particularly near resonances. Thixotropic fluids with viscosity bifurcations layer internally, but surface-speed signatures mostly appear similar to those for simple yield-stress fluids. Stokes-layer oscillations of discontinuous shear thickening fluids can prompt abrupt increases in viscosity, introducing sudden jumps in surface speed. Pre-existing experimental results for layers of kaolin slurries in a motorized, oscillating tray are reconsidered and compared with the results for elasto-viscoplastic and thixotropic fluids. • Stokes layers of three model fluids are explored. • Elasto-viscoplastic fluids deform significantly if elastic waves become excited. • Thixotropic fluids layer internally through viscosity bifurcations. • Discontinuous shear-thickening fluids jam during Stokes-layer oscillations