Non-Newtonian Fluids

Non-Newtonian fluids are plentiful in the world, both natural and man-made. Undoubtedly, they are consumed nearly every day. Foods such as cream, ketchup, honey (“Non-Newtonian Fluids”), mayonnaise, cranberry sauce, or jelly (Roth-Johnson) are non-Newtonian. For example, in order to get ketchup out of the bottle, it must be shaken. Once that has been done, it squirts out of the bottle with ease. Also, if the near-solid honey is continuously stirred, then the honey becomes more liquid than solid. When whipped, cream becomes denser. Provided, the longer the cream is whipped, then the denser the cream becomes (“Non-Newtonian Fluids”). In addition, this special branch of fluids is found in building and construction. To illustrate, certain types …show more content…
There are five main types of these enigmatic substances. To start with, there are the thixotropic fluids. Over time, the viscosity of these fluids decreases when stress is present. An example of thixotropic fluids is honey because the longer it is stirred, then the less solid it becomes. Second, there are the rheopectic fluids. When stress is applied over time, then the viscosity increases. Cream is an excellent example of rheopectic substances because the longer the cream is whipped, then the more dense the cream becomes. Pseudoplastic, or shear thinning, substances are the third type of non-Newtonian fluids. With increased stress, the substance’s viscosity decreases or becomes runnier. Ketchup is an example of a shear thinning fluid. Fourth, the dilatant, or shear thickening, fluids increase their viscosity when increased stress is present. Cornstarch and water mixtures fit within this category (“Non-Newtonian Fluids”). Finally, there are the viscoplastic fluids. Viscoplastic substances have the same viscosity when little stress is applied, but the strain of more applied stress is that the fluid becomes runnier. Toothpaste that is squeezed out of the tube remains in the same state it was in when the toothpaste was still residing within the tube. However, when one begins to brush their teeth, the toothpaste …show more content…
The construction industry could profit from the results of this experiment. Earthquakes are well known to have devastating effects. Using knowledge gained from research on this subject, one would know that clay is non-Newtonian. When large amounts of pressure are applied, the clay becomes runny. This is disastrous for buildings when earthquakes emanate, for the ground beneath them would not provide support, even if the structure itself is stable. Knowing that building on clay can be dangerous in areas prone to earthquakes could save lives. Another possibility that could gain from the results of the experiment is the future of protective gear and armor. A plastic shell filled with a mix based off of cornstarch and water would be lightweight and easy to move in. When the wearer of the gear would need protection, for example, when falling while riding a bike or during a fight on the battlefield, the mixture inside would become rigid to protect the person because of the increased stress. A third reason that this experiment could help society is that from using the results of the trials, the benefits can be felt in classrooms throughout the primary population. Children would have the opportunity to explore science while enjoying it. A substance that isn’t as dense and enigmatic as it could be wouldn’t be as entertaining as video games or a movie. Fully understanding oobleck and