Abstract: Apparatus and methods for evaluating the rheological properties of Newtonian and non-Newtonian liquids and melts employs the principle of capillary breakup following rapid stretching of the fluid between two plates. The apparatus includes opposed surfaces defining a sample site disposed therebetween. A liquid sample undergoes an extensional deformation between the opposed surfaces which separate using a user-defined motion profile. The time profile of the diameter of the liquid filament is monitored and recorded as a function of time. Preferred embodiments of the present invention include data analysis of the diameter of the filament as a function of time which provides information regarding rheological parameters including, but not limited to, extensional viscosity versus strain.

Abstract: The present invention provides an irradiated crosslinked polyethylene containing reduced free radicals, preferably containing substantially no residual free radical. Disclosed is a process of making irradiated crosslinked polyethylene by irradiating the polyethylene in contact with a sensitizing environment at an elevated temperature that is below the melting point, in order to reduce the concentration of residual free radicals to an undetectable level. A process of making irradiated crosslinked polyethylene composition having reduced free radical content, preferably containing substantially no residual free radicals, by mechanically deforming the polyethylene at a temperature that is below the melting point of the polyethylene, optionally in a sensitizing environment, is also disclosed herein.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for evaluating the rheological properties of Newtonian and non-Newtonian liquids and melts employs the principle of capillary breakup following rapid stretching of the fluid between two plates.

Abstract: A vibration damping device for mounting between two spaced portions of a vehicle. An inner metal cylindrical housing forms an internal piston chamber and is connected at one end to the vehicle, with a piston which is slidably mounted within the piston chamber, being connected to another portion of the vehicle. An outer housing surrounds a portion of the inner housing and forms a fluid duct or flow channel between fluid chambers formed on opposite sides of the piston. An electrode is mounted in the fluid duct for applying a voltage across the duct to affect the viscosity of an electrorheological (ER) fluid flowing therethrough to increase the damping force of the device. The electrode includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced splines and intervening grooves extending longitudinally along the fluid duct. The bottom portions of the grooves have a decreased electric field applied thereto than do the splines, providing bleed grooves or leak paths for the ER fluid to decrease the shear-rate of the fluid.