non-Newtonian
Stress-dependent fluid behavior
Non-Newtonian describes fluids whose viscosity changes under stress or force, unlike water or oil, which flow consistently.
Cornstarch mixed with water is the classic example—it flows like liquid when handled gently but resists like a solid when struck.
Non-Newtonian fluids behave strangely under pressure.
Ketchup and toothpaste are everyday non-Newtonian substances—they flow more easily when squeezed or shaken.
Thick wet gunk
- ketchupTomato-based condiment
- quicksandYielding, engulfing sediment
- toothpasteOral cleaning gel
- custardCooked egg-milk mixture
cornstarch slurry · blood · paint · shampoo · conditioner · honey · molasses · mayonnaise
Fluid's flow resistance
- shear-thickeningViscosity rises with stress
- viscoelasticityCombined fluid-solid deformation behavior
- Bingham plasticFluid requiring minimum stress to flow
- creepStealthy, slow movement
Maize-derived thickening powder
- gravyThickened meat drippings
- sauceLiquid food accompaniment
- rouxCooked fat-flour paste
- slurrySemifluid mixture of solids
batter · custard · ketchup · pudding · syrup · cream · butter · thickening
Science of flowing matter
- stress-strainMaterial response relationship
- deformationChange in shape
- colloidalEvenly suspended throughout
- molecular structureArrangement of atoms in compound
shear force · laminar · turbulent · pressure · material science
slime
Thick wet gunk
- ketchupTomato-based condiment
- quicksandYielding, engulfing sediment
- toothpasteOral cleaning gel
custard · cornstarch slurry · blood · paint · shampoo · conditioner · honey · molasses · mayonnaise · yogurt
viscosity
Fluid's flow resistance
- shear-thickeningViscosity rises with stress
- viscoelasticityCombined fluid-solid deformation behavior
- Bingham plasticFluid requiring minimum stress to flow
creep · time-dependent · modulus · recovery · oscillation
cornstarch
Maize-derived thickening powder
slurry · batter · custard · ketchup · pudding · syrup · cream · butter · thickening · starch
fluid dynamics
Science of flowing matter
- stress-strainMaterial response relationship
- deformationChange in shape
- colloidalEvenly suspended throughout
molecular structure · shear force · laminar · turbulent · pressure · material science
- Rheologyviscosity, viscoelasticity, viscometer, creep, flow
- viscometryviscometer, kinematic viscosity, poise, stokes, capillary tube