Oobleck is a commonly utilized fluid in demonstrations of non-Newtonian behavior. Rather than being linearly viscous with respect to shear, oobleck is shear thickening, meaning that it becomes more viscous the more that it is sheared. This is what causes crazy formations when it’s vibrated, makes it useful as liquid armor, and enables people to run across pools full of it. Yet it flows readily when undisturbed. #
Search results for: “non-newtonian fluid”
Hawaiian Fissures
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New fissures opened on Mount Kilauea in Hawaii earlier this month, resulting in some fountain-like eruptions of lava. This molten rock is a non-Newtonian fluid with shear-thinning and thixotropic properties. This is what allows the lava to flow long distances before it cools and solidifies. (via jpshoer)
Flying Paint
High speed footage of flying paint demonstrates a world of viscosity and surface tension, as well as another great example of fluid dynamics as art. (via Gizmodo)
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The GE Show
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While this video is not strictly about fluid dynamics, there are some pretty cool high-speed fluids moments in it. Watch the reaction of the gelatins as objects hit them and observe the deformation of the water balloons as they strike. (via JetForMe)
Reader Question
loscheiner asks:
So the video about the ooblek was clearly filmed at CU Boulder. Do you go to school here?
Also, you should enable disqus comments or replies to your posts!
Nope! I have connections to three different universities (one of which has been featured here), but none of them is CU Boulder. I just found that video on YouTube.
Cornstarch Monsters
In shear-thickening, non-Newtonian fluids, disturbances make the fluid more viscous (“thicker”, more resistant to motion). This is well-demonstrated by putting some on a speaker and turning it on! #