1
$\begingroup$

Non-Newtonian liquids can change their viscosity as a function of shear stress. Shear thinning liquids are those liquids whose viscosity decreases with shear stress. The examples I have seen of such liquids include ketchup and whipped cream.

Is there such a thing as a liquid whose viscosity changes catastrophically? I.E. it acts as something close to a solid, but becomes liquid fairly suddenly at a certain shear stress?

Catastrophic shear thinning liquid

If so, do these substances have a name, and where can I find out more about them?

Improve this question
$\endgroup$

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
1
$\begingroup$

Yes; this is sometimes called a complex liquid/fluid with a yield stress or a viscoplastic material or, in the case of specific models, a Herschel–Buckley fluid or a Bingham plastic, for example:

Granular materials and ductile metals exhibit similar behavior of flow to some degree after a load threshold is exceeded.

This and the associated Wikipedia article should give plenty of search terms to explore.

Improve this answer
$\endgroup$

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.