Non-Newtonian fluids: An introduction

Abstract

The objective of this chapter is to introduce and to illustrate the frequent and wide occurrence of non-Newtonian fluid behaviour in a diverse range of applications, both in nature and in technology. Starting with the definition of a non-Newtonian fluid, different types of non-Newtonian characteristics are briefly described. Representative examples of materials (foams, suspensions, polymer solutions and melts), which, under appropriate circumstances, display shear-thinning, shear-thickening, visco-plastic, time-dependent and viscoelastic behaviour are presented. Each type of non-Newtonian fluid behaviour has been illustrated via experimental data on real materials. This is followed by a short discussion on how to engineer non-Newtonian flow characteristics of a product for its satisfactory end use by manipulating its microstructure by controlling physico-chemical aspects of the system. Finally, we touch upon the ultimate question about the role of non-Newtonian characteristics on the analysis and modelling of the processes of pragmatic engineering significance. © 2010 Springer Science+Business Media LLC.