Recomputation of certain functions in the Peterlin–Stuart theory of flow birefringence and directions for the evaluation of experimental data in terms of molecular weights and molecular dimensions

Determination of the physical dimensions of nonspherical rigid macromolecules or particles by means of the flow birefringence technique requires reference to theoretical data derived from the Peterlin−Stuart theory. The data universally used for this purpose are those computed nearly 25 years ago by Scheraga, Edsall, and Gadd. Since simplification and approximations mandatory at that time are no longer necessary with modern computer technique, more precise theoretical data were now obtained by recomputation of the pertinent ahk and bhk values. In addition, the considerable number of additional coefficient values that are required for the application of the Peterlin−Stuart theory to the dimensional analysis by means of flow light scattering were computed. The results are followed by a brief survey and discussion of explicit equations useful for the practical application of the flow birefringence technique for dimensional analysis.