Demonstration of a facile and efficient strategy for yield stress determination in large amplitude oscillatory shear: Algebraic stress bifurcation

The large amplitude oscillatory shear (LAOS) has been extensively studied for understanding the rheological responses of yield stress fluids. However, the employed methodology for determining the yield stress remains uncertain albeit the fact that many classical or plausible methods exist in the literature. Along these lines, herein, based on Fourier transform (FT) rheology, stress decomposition, and stress bifurcation, a new straightforward method termed as algebraic stress bifurcation was developed. More specifically, the main goal was to determine the yield stress and investigate the solid–liquid transition of fluids in LAOS. A simple and efficient mathematical framework was established and verified by the KVHB, Saramito, Giesekus models, and FT rheology. The main strength of this approach is that only the data from the stress/strain sweep are required instead of Lissajous curves. Alternative curves based on the first harmonic were constructed to demonstrate the non-critical role of both higher harmonics and phenomenological Lissajous curves in determining yield stress. The determined start and end yield points in the solid–liquid transition were compared with the already existing methods. Furthermore, the resulting solid–liquid transition region was analyzed by FT rheology, stress decomposition, and sequence of the physical process to obtain information on nonlinearity and intracycle/intercycle yielding. Our work provides fruitful insights for explaining and reducing the complexities of the stress bifurcation technique by using an easy-to-understand and implement format. Therefore, a concise theoretical framework was introduced for understanding the concept of yield stress, the intercycle yielding process, and the rational choice of yield stress measurement techniques.