Various experiments evidence spatial heterogeneities in sheared yield stress fluids. To account for heterogeneities in the velocity gradient direction, we use a simple model corresponding to a nonmonotonic local flow curve and study a simple shear geometry. Different types of boundary conditions are considered. Under controlled macroscopic shear stress $\Sigma ,$ we find homogeneous flow in the bulk and a hysteretic macroscopic stress–shear-rate curve. Under controlled macroscopic shear rate $\dot{\Gamma },$ shear banding is predicted within a range of values of $\dot{\Gamma }.$ For small shear rates, stick-slip can also be observed. These qualitative behaviors are robust to changes in the boundary conditions.

• Received 7 June 2002

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.66.051501