A non-linear Maxwell model of biofluids: application to normal blood

For transient shear stress responses at moderate shear rates, predictions of a Non-Linear Maxwell model, in which the viscosity coefficient is assumed to depend on the instantaneous structural state of the material, are compared to measurements on normal blood (McMillan et al., 1986). This is carried out on a modified viscometer which incorporates a dynamic balance torque monitoring, in order to eliminate apparatus inertia effects. Satisfactory agreement is obtained with model variables closely related to the structure kinetics.