Dilatant
Dilatant
A dilatant (also known as a shear thickening fluid) is a non-Newtonian fluid where the viscosity increases with the rate of shear strain. This behavior is in contrast to pseudoplastic fluids, which exhibit a decrease in viscosity with an increase in shear rate. Dilatant materials are characterized by their ability to become more viscous or even solid-like under stress.
Properties[edit | edit source]
Dilatant materials exhibit a unique property where their viscosity increases as the applied shear rate increases. This phenomenon is due to the rearrangement of particles within the fluid, which creates a more resistant structure to flow. The behavior of dilatant fluids can be described by the following equation:
- \(\tau = k \dot{\gamma}^n\)
where:
- \(\tau\) is the shear stress,
- \(k\) is the consistency index,
- \(\dot{\gamma}\) is the shear rate,
- \(n\) is the flow behavior index (for dilatant fluids, \(n > 1\)).
Examples[edit | edit source]
Common examples of dilatant materials include:
- Cornstarch and water mixtures (often referred to as "oobleck")
- Certain types of suspensions and slurries
- Some polymer solutions
Applications[edit | edit source]
Dilatant materials have various applications due to their unique properties. Some of these applications include:
- Body armor: Dilatant materials are used in body armor to provide protection by becoming rigid upon impact.
- Vibration damping: These materials can be used in systems where vibration damping is required, as they become more viscous under stress.
- Industrial processes: Dilatant fluids are used in processes where control over viscosity is necessary, such as in pumping and mixing operations.
Related Concepts[edit | edit source]
See Also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
External Links[edit | edit source]
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