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Related Concept Videos

Types of Fluids01:27

Types of Fluids

Fluids can be classified into Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids based on their response to shear stress. Newtonian fluids have a linear relationship between shear stress and the shear strain rate, following Newton's law of viscosity. Their viscosity remains constant regardless of the shear rate, making their behavior predictable and easier to analyze. Common examples include water, air, oil, and gasoline.
In contrast, non-Newtonian fluids do not follow Newton's law of viscosity, and their...
Viscosity of Fluid01:19

Viscosity of Fluid

Viscosity measures the resistance a fluid offers to flow and deformation. It results from internal friction between layers of fluid moving relative to one another. Dynamic viscosity, denoted by the Greek letter mu (μ), quantifies the force needed to move one fluid layer over another. For Newtonian fluids like water and air, the relationship between the shearing stress and the rate of shearing strain is linear, meaning their viscosity remains constant regardless of the applied stress.
Viscosity01:17

Viscosity

When water is poured into a glass, it falls freely and quickly, whereas if honey or maple syrup is poured over a pancake, it flows slowly and sticks to the surface of the container. This difference in the flow of different kinds of liquids arises due to the fluid friction between the liquid layers and the liquid and the surrounding material. This property of fluids is called fluid viscosity. In this example, water has a lower viscosity than honey and maple syrup.
The SI unit of viscosity is...
Viscosity01:27

Viscosity

Viscosity is a property of fluids that measures their resistance to flow. It is influenced by factors such as the surface area of contact, the gradient of flow speed, and the fluid's viscosity constant, called the coefficient of viscosity. The coefficient of viscosity, also known as dynamic viscosity, is denoted by the symbol η. It determines the proportionality between the viscous force and the gradient of flow speed.Newton's law of viscosity states that the viscous force on a faster-moving...
Newtonian Fluid: Problem Solving01:18

Newtonian Fluid: Problem Solving

Newtonian fluids exhibit a constant viscosity, meaning their shear stress and shear strain rate are directly proportional. This property ensures a predictable and stable response to applied forces, maintaining a linear relationship between force and flow. Examples include water, air, and light oils, consistently demonstrating this proportional behavior regardless of external conditions.
A velocity gradient forms within the fluid when a Newtonian fluid is placed between two parallel plates, with...
Surface Tension, Capillary Action, and Viscosity02:57

Surface Tension, Capillary Action, and Viscosity

Surface Tension
The various IMFs between identical molecules of a substance are examples of cohesive forces. The molecules within a liquid are surrounded by other molecules and are attracted equally in all directions by the cohesive forces within the liquid. However, the molecules on the surface of a liquid are attracted only by about one-half as many molecules. Because of the unbalanced molecular attractions on the surface molecules, liquids contract to form a shape that minimizes the number...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 8, 2026

Experimental Measurement of Settling Velocity of Spherical Particles in Unconfined and Confined Surfactant-based Shear Thinning Viscoelastic Fluids
10:28

Experimental Measurement of Settling Velocity of Spherical Particles in Unconfined and Confined Surfactant-based Shear Thinning Viscoelastic Fluids

Published on: January 3, 2014

Sheared active fluids: thickening, thinning, and vanishing viscosity.

Luca Giomi1, Tanniemola B Liverpool, M Cristina Marchetti

  • 1School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA.

Physical Review. E, Statistical, Nonlinear, and Soft Matter Physics
|September 28, 2010
PubMed
Summary

We studied active polar particle suspensions under shear. Shear flow significantly alters particle behavior, affecting viscosity and potentially causing unique stress-strain relationships and yield stress.

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Last Updated: Jun 8, 2026

Experimental Measurement of Settling Velocity of Spherical Particles in Unconfined and Confined Surfactant-based Shear Thinning Viscoelastic Fluids
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Published on: January 3, 2014

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Published on: April 10, 2017

Area of Science:

  • Soft Matter Physics
  • Rheology
  • Active Matter Physics

Background:

  • Orientationally ordered active particles exhibit spontaneous flow and nonuniform polarization due to internal stresses and liquid crystallinity.
  • Understanding these transitions is crucial for predicting the macroscopic behavior of active suspensions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the influence of external shear flow on active polar particle suspensions.
  • To characterize the resulting rheological properties and emergent phenomena.

Main Methods:

  • Theoretical analysis of a suspension of active polar particles under shear flow.
  • Modeling the interplay between elastic stresses, active stresses, and flow-alignment properties.

Main Results:

  • Shear flow induces a rich variety of phenomena in active polar particle suspensions.
  • Apparent viscosity can be effectively reduced or increased depending on active stresses and particle flow-alignment.
  • Exotic behaviors observed include nonmonotonic stress-strain-rate relations and yield stress at high activity levels.

Conclusions:

  • External shear flow dramatically modifies the behavior of active polar particle suspensions.
  • The rheological response is highly sensitive to the nature of active stresses and particle properties.
  • This study reveals complex dynamics and potential for novel material properties in sheared active matter.