We use numerical simulations of a bead-spring model chain to investigate the evolution of the conformation of long and flexible elastic fibers in a steady shear flow. In particular, for rather open initial configurations, and by varying a dimensionless elastic parameter, we identify two distinct conformational modes with different final size, shape, and orientation. Through further analysis we identify slipknots in the chain. Finally, we provide examples of initial configurations of an open trefoil knot that the flow unknots and then knots again, sometimes repeating several times. These changes in topology should be reflected in changes in bulk rheological and/or transport properties.
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