What is a Non-Newtonian fluid?
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A liquid is described as a material
that will take on the shape of the container in which it
is located. If you pour a liquid out onto a flat
surface, it will spread out. A solid will not. A solid
will likely stay in the original shape.7
This is a Newtonian fluid. A fluid that violates this
description is a Non-Newtonian fluid. It’s viscosity
changes depending on the force or pressure being applied
to it. It is a fluid that violates Newton’s law of
viscosity. Isaac Newton’s law of viscosity states “the
shear stress between adjacent fluid layers is
proportional to the negative value of the velocity
gradient between the two layers.”2 There are two types of Non-Newtonian fluids: Thixotropic (pseudoplastic) liquid: As stress, force or pressure increases on the fluid, viscosity decreases (ketchup). Rheopectic (dilatant) liquid: As stress, force or pressure increases on the fluid, viscosity also increases (heavy whipping cream).3 Oobleck is a dilatant fluid.4 |
| https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dilatant#/media/File:Shear_rate_vs._Shear_stress.png |
