Browian dynamics simulation of finitely extensible bead-spring chains

The behaviour of infinitely dilute solutions of finitely extensible non-linear elastic (FENE) bead-spring chains in shear flow and uniaxial elongational flow is analysed under both steady-state and transient conditions, using the method of Brownian dynamics. Three FENE chain models are considered: the original model using the Warner spring force law and models using the Peterlin approximation and the recently proposed PM approximation. It is shown that the two approximate models, which are based on a pre-averaging of the spring constant, perform reasonably well in elongational flow but fail in describing shear flow.