shearthickeninget

Shearthickeninget, also known as dilatant fluid behavior, is a non-Newtonian fluid property where the apparent viscosity of the fluid increases with increasing shear rate. This means that the more force or stress applied to the fluid, the thicker and more resistant to flow it becomes. In contrast, shear-thinning fluids, which are more common, become less viscous and flow more easily under stress.

This phenomenon occurs in fluids that contain a suspension of solid particles. When the shear rate is low, the particles have enough time to move past each other and the fluid flows relatively freely. However, at higher shear rates, the particles are pushed closer together, creating frictional forces and hindering their movement. This increased resistance to flow is perceived as an increase in viscosity.

A classic example of a shearthickening fluid is a mixture of cornstarch and water, often referred to as oobleck. When handled gently, it behaves like a liquid. But if you punch it or try to stir it rapidly, it becomes almost solid. Other examples include some suspensions of sand in water, certain types of slurries, and some biological fluids.

The practical applications of shearthickening fluids are diverse. They are used in protective gear like body armor and sports padding, where they remain flexible under normal movement but become rigid upon impact. They are also employed in industrial processes such as drilling fluids and in some types of clutch and brake systems. Understanding and controlling shearthickening behavior is crucial in many engineering and scientific fields.