fluidet

Fluidet is a term used in theoretical and applied fluid science to denote a class of responsive, tunable fluids whose rheological properties can be altered by external stimuli. In common descriptions, fluidet refers to suspensions or solutions whose internal microstructure reorganizes in response to electric or magnetic fields, temperature changes, or shear, enabling rapid transitions between liquid-like and more solid-like states.

Properties: Fluidet fluids exhibit adjustable viscosity and yield stress, as well as viscoelastic behavior and non-Newtonian responses. Their microstructure may include anisotropic particles, responsive polymers, or colloidal networks that form or break connections under stimulation. The switching is typically reversible and can occur on subsecond timescales.

Stimuli and mechanisms: External fields and thermal or optical inputs can drive particle alignment, network formation, or phase changes. Mechanisms include dipole interactions, field-induced bridging by polymers, and percolation of reinforcing networks.

Production and materials: Fluidet formulations are typically carrier fluids with dispersed responsive components. Particle size, surface chemistry, and concentration are tuned to achieve desired rheological thresholds while maintaining stability against sedimentation and aggregation.

Applications and research: Potential uses include adaptive damping and vibration control, smart lubricants, soft robotics actuation, and haptic devices. The term often appears alongside electrorheology and magnetorheology, and is sometimes discussed in speculative or idealized models in the broader field of smart fluids.

See also: electrorheology, magnetorheology, smart fluids, non-Newtonian fluids, colloids.