In terms of geometry, modeling, and numerical options, several are available for differential viscoelastic flow calculations, but some combinations of them are not. All types of geometries (2D planar, 2D axisymmetric with or without swirl, 2D channel flow, and 3D) can be used in a differential viscoelastic flow calculation. For numerics, the mixed, EVSS and DEVSS methods are available. Finally, isothermal, nonisothermal, steady-state, time-dependent, single-mode, and multi-mode viscoelastic models are all available.

The EVSS method can be used for steady-state and transient calculations of isothermal and nonisothermal viscoelastic flows with a single mode or multiple modes, in 2D (planar, axisymmetric, channel, and swirling) and 3D geometries. However, this feature applies only to models whose constitutive equation is written in terms of the extra-stress tensor (models of the so-called Oldroyd family).

The DEVSS method can be used for steady-state and transient calculations of isothermal and nonisothermal viscoelastic flows, with a single mode or multiple modes, in 2D (planar, axisymmetric, channel and swirling) and 3D geometries. This feature applies to all models. The mixed methods can be used for steady-state and transient calculations of isothermal viscoelastic flows with a single relaxation mode, in 2D (planar, axisymmetric, channel, or swirling) geometries, for all differential viscoelastic models described in Differential Viscoelastic Models. For blow molding and thermoforming applications or film casting applications, see Blow Molding and Thermoforming or Film Casting for additional information.