non-Newtonian fluids
Viscosity-changing substances
Non-Newtonian fluids are substances whose viscosity changes under stress or pressure, unlike water or oil, which flow consistently regardless of force applied.
Ketchup won't budge until you shake the bottle; cornstarch mixed with water feels solid when punched but liquid when handled gently.
The term comes from Isaac Newton's laws describing how normal fluids behave—these fluids break those rules.
Cornstarch-water suspension
- cornstarchMaize-derived thickening powder
- impact resistanceCapacity to withstand collision
- custard powderInstant sauce mix
- suspensionTemporary halt or exclusion
smart materials · damping · body armor · speed bump · jamming · hardening · Dr. Seuss · children's science
Fluid's flow resistance
- viscoelasticityCombined fluid-solid deformation behavior
- Bingham plasticFluid requiring minimum stress to flow
- hysteresisHistory-dependent system response
- power lawMathematical relationship with exponents
Tomato-based condiment
- paintColored coating substance
- bloodBody's oxygen carrier
- mayonnaiseEmulsified egg-oil spread
- shampooLiquid hair cleanser
toothpaste · honey · latex · nail polish · yogurt · whipped cream · cosmetics · conditioner
Thick wet gunk
- quicksandYielding, engulfing sediment
- wet sandMoistened beach granules
- custardCooked egg-milk mixture
- condensed milkSugar-preserved reduced dairy
molasses · peanut butter · cream · batter · dough · pudding · stress balls · kinetic sand
Solid building mixture
- adhesivesBonding substances
- sealantsLeak-preventing compounds
- coatingsApplied surface layers
- inksPigmented writing liquids
ceramics · food processing · pharmaceuticals · 3D printing · injection molding · wastewater treatment · paper pulp
oobleck
Cornstarch-water suspension
- cornstarchMaize-derived thickening powder
- impact resistanceCapacity to withstand collision
- custard powderInstant sauce mix
suspension · smart materials · damping · body armor · speed bump · jamming · hardening · Dr. Seuss · children's science · educational play
viscosity
Fluid's flow resistance
- viscoelasticityCombined fluid-solid deformation behavior
- Bingham plasticFluid requiring minimum stress to flow
- hysteresisHistory-dependent system response
ketchup
Tomato-based condiment
- paintColored coating substance
- bloodBody's oxygen carrier
- mayonnaiseEmulsified egg-oil spread
shampoo · toothpaste · honey · latex · nail polish · yogurt · whipped cream · cosmetics · conditioner · sauce
slime
Thick wet gunk
condensed milk · molasses · peanut butter · cream · batter · dough · pudding · stress balls · kinetic sand
concrete
Solid building mixture
inks · ceramics · food processing · pharmaceuticals · 3D printing · injection molding · wastewater treatment · paper pulp
- Rheologyviscosity, viscoelasticity, viscometer, creep, flow