KonusPlatte

KonusPlatte is a term used in rheology and materials science to describe a cone-plate interface formed by a conical upper surface (konus) and a flat base plate (platte). The geometry is designed to generate a controlled shear field within a sample situated in the narrow gap between the cone and plate, enabling measurement of flow and deformation properties for liquids, pastes, gels, and soft solids. The mean shear rate is largely governed by the cone angle and the gap height, while the sample’s viscosity influences the torque required to rotate the cone.

In typical implementations, the KonusPlatte assembly consists of a rigid, precisely machined cone mounted above a flat, parallel plate. The gap is set with calibration shims or micrometer adjustments, and surfaces are finished to reduce slip and edge effects. Variants may use different cone angles, coatings, and temperature control to suit specific materials. The design often includes ports for rotating and thermally controlling the sample, as well as sensors for torque, speed, and sometimes direct viscosity readouts.

Applications of the KonusPlatte configuration include rheological characterization of complex fluids, polymer melts, suspensions, and gels. It is valued for producing relatively uniform shear across the sample and for enabling measurements at low to moderate shear rates. Limitations include sensitivity to alignment and edge effects, which can influence accuracy for very small samples or highly non-Newtonian materials. The KonusPlatte concept is closely related to cone-plate viscometry and is sometimes used as a descriptive term in discussions of cone-plate geometries.