Shear Events in Colloidal Glasses

ORAL

Abstract

We analyze shear events that occur in sheared amorphous colloidal suspensions. We use the three-dimensional particle positions determined by confocal microscopy to determine irreversible local rearrangements that give rise to high local strain. These shear regions show a long-range strain field characteristic of dipolar strain events. Large displacements of only one or a few particles in the shear event core are enough to stabilize the new configuration and lead to permanent deformation. We will elucidate the interplay between thermal fluctuations and local strain that drives the nucleation of these shear regions.

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Authors

  • Peter Schall

    University of Amsterdam

  • David Weitz

    Division of Engineering and Applied Sciences and Department of Physics, Harvard University, DEAS, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA, Harvard University, DEAS, Harvard University, Division of Engineering and Applied Science, Harvard University, Cambridge MA 02138, USA, Division of Engineering and Applied Science. Harvard University, Applied Physics, Harvard University

  • Frans Spaepen

    Harvard University