Difference Between Newtonian and Non-Newtonian Fluid

NeetChennai
13 Min Read

An Introduction to Newtonian and Non-Newtonian Fluid

A branch of physics called fluid dynamics examines how fluids respond in different circumstances. The difference between Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids is a fascinating aspect of fluid dynamics. Understanding these distinctions is important for many practical applications.

For example, consider ketchup to illustrate this concept.

Ketchup doesn’t flow as readily when squeezed compared to water. It usually begins to move slowly, then quickly accelerates while altering its viscosity, rather than pouring out smoothly. This behavior is a clear example of non-Newtonian fluid dynamics.

Newtonian fluids, in contrast, include common fluids like air and water. Regardless of the force or shear stress applied, they flow in a predictable and consistent manner. By studying the differences between these fluids, scientists and engineers can gain a better understanding and control over fluid behavior in various industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, and food processing. Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids.

Newtonian Fluids:

Newtonian fluids, named after Sir Isaac Newton, display a linear relationship between shear stress and shear rate. This indicates that the viscosity of a Newtonian fluid remains unchanged regardless of the shear stress applied or the rate at which the fluid is deformed. In essence, the flow behavior of Newtonian fluids is predictable and stable under different shear conditions.

In summary, Newtonian fluids maintain a linear relationship between shear stress and shear rate, meaning their viscosity stays constant irrespective of the applied stress or the speed of deformation.

Non-Newtonian Fluids:

Non-Newtonian fluids are a category of fluids that do not exhibit a linear relationship between shear stress and shear rate. Unlike Newtonian fluids, the viscosity of non-Newtonian fluids can vary significantly based on the flow conditions. These fluids may demonstrate complex viscosity behaviors, such as shear-thinning, shear-thickening, and more.

Non-Newtonian fluids encompass a diverse range of substances with different flow characteristics. They behave more complexly than Newtonian fluids, which have a constant viscosity.

 These fluids’ viscositie can change based on the shear force that is applied, the shear rate, the passage of time, or other element.

Difference Between Newtonian and Non Newtonian Fluid:

For a variety of scientific, technical, and commercial purposes, it is essential to understand the distinctions between Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids. Distinguishing between different types of fluids aids in selecting suitable models, designing effective processes, and optimizing the performance of fluid flow systems.

The table outlines the differences between Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids:

S.No

Category

Newtonian fluid

Non-Newtonian fluid

1 Viscosity Relationship Constant viscosity, linear relationship between shear stress and shear rate. Variable viscosity refers to a non-linear connection between shear stress and shear rate.
2 Flow Behavior Consistent flow behaviour at various shear rates. Varied flow behaviors can display shear-thinning or shear-thickening properties.
3 Shear Stress and Shear Rate Relationship Directly proportional relationship. Non-linear relationship.
4 Modeling and Analysis Simple modelling using fundamental equations. Rheological assessments and empirical models are essential for intricate modeling.
5 Examples Water, air, gasoline. Ketchup, toothpaste, paint.
6 Applications: Applying brakes, dragging items along a surface, or rubbing your hands together all involve sliding friction. Rolling friction is commonly found in various applications, such as wheel-based transportation, ball bearings, and the motion of rolling objects.

Examples of Newtonian and Non-Newtonian Fluids:

Examples of Newtonian fluids include:

  1. Water: A common example of a Newtonian fluid is water. Under standard conditions, it maintains a constant viscosity, meaning its flow behavior remains unchanged regardless of the applied shear force or shear rate.
  1. Air: Air is another example of a Newtonian fluid, like water. It demonstrates consistent flow properties and stable viscosity even under various shear conditions.
  1. Gasoline: Gasoline serves as another example of a Newtonian fluid. Regardless of the shear force or shear rate, it flows freely and maintains a consistent viscosity.

Examples of non-Newtonian fluids include:

  1. Ketchup: Ketchup is a non-Newtonian fluid that demonstrates shear-thinning behavior. When stationary, it is thick and possesses a high viscosity. However, when shear stress is applied (such as during pouring or squeezing the bottle), its viscosity reduces, making it flow more easily.
  2. Toothpaste: Toothpaste is another common example of a non-Newtonian fluid. When pressure is applied during tooth-brushing, it behaves like a shear-thinning fluid, becoming less viscous and flowing more freely. Polymer Solutions: Solutions that contain polymers, such as those used in certain industrial processes or cosmetics, often exhibit non-Newtonian behavior. Depending on the specific polymer and its concentration, they may display shear-thinning or shear-thickening properties.

Conclusion:

Non-Newtonian fluids exhibit variable viscosity under shear stress, while Newtonian fluids maintain a constant viscosity that is unaffected by shear force. Non-Newtonian fluids can display behaviors such as Bingham plasticity, shear-thinning, or both. Recognizing the differences between various fluid types allows for more precise and efficient design and optimization of processes and systems by enhancing understanding and analysis of their responses.

Fluids are characterized by their ability to flow and their resistance to permanent deformation. There are two primary categories of fluids: Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids. Newtonian fluids adhere to Newton’s law of constant viscosity, meaning they have consistent viscosities regardless of shear stress or shear rate. In contrast, non-Newtonian fluids have variable viscosities and their relationship to shear stress differs. Examples of Newtonian fluids include air and water, while blood, paint, toothpaste, and starch solutions are a few examples of non-Newtonian fluids.

An Introduction to Newtonian and Non-Newtonian Fluid

A branch of physics called fluid dynamics examines how fluids respond in different circumstances. The difference between Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids is a fascinating aspect of fluid dynamics. Understanding these distinctions is important for many practical applications.

For example, consider ketchup to illustrate this concept. Ketchup doesn’t flow as readily when squeezed compared to water. It usually begins to move slowly, then quickly accelerates while altering its viscosity, rather than pouring out smoothly. This behavior is a clear example of non-Newtonian fluid dynamics.

Newtonian fluids, in contrast, include common fluids like air and water. Regardless of the force or shear stress applied, they flow in a predictable and consistent manner. By studying the differences between these fluids, scientists and engineers can gain a better understanding and control over fluid behavior in various industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, and food processing. Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids.

Newtonian Fluids:

Newtonian fluids, named after Sir Isaac Newton, display a linear relationship between shear stress and shear rate. This indicates that the viscosity of a Newtonian fluid remains unchanged regardless of the shear stress applied or the rate at which the fluid is deformed. In essence, the flow behavior of Newtonian fluids is predictable and stable under different shear conditions.

In summary, Newtonian fluids maintain a linear relationship between shear stress and shear rate, meaning their viscosity stays constant irrespective of the applied stress or the speed of deformation.

Non-Newtonian Fluids: 

Non-Newtonian fluids are a category of fluids that do not exhibit a linear relationship between shear stress and shear rate. Unlike Newtonian fluids, the viscosity of non-Newtonian fluids can vary significantly based on the flow conditions. These fluids may demonstrate complex viscosity behaviors, such as shear-thinning, shear-thickening, and more.

Non-Newtonian fluids encompass a diverse range of substances with different flow characteristics. They behave more complexly than Newtonian fluids, which have a constant viscosity.

 These fluids’ viscosities can change based on the shear force that is applied, the shear rate, the passage of time, or other elements.

Difference Between Newtonian and Non Newtonian Fluid:

For a variety of scientific, technical, and commercial purposes, it is essential to understand the distinctions between Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids. Distinguishing between different types of fluids aids in selecting suitable models, designing effective processes, and optimizing the performance of fluid flow systems.

The table outlines the differences between Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids:

S.No

Category

Newtonian fluid

Non-Newtonian fluid

1

Viscosity Relationship Constant viscosity, linear relationship between shear stress and shear rate. Variable viscosity, non-linear relationship between shear stress and shear rate.

2

Flow Behavior Consistent flow behavior at various shear rates. Varied flow behaviors can display shear-thinning or shear-thickening properties.

3

Shear Stress and Shear Rate Relationship Directly proportional relationship. Non-linear relationship.

4

Modeling and Analysis Simple modelling using fundamental equations. Rheological assessments and empirical models are essential for intricate modeling.

5

Examples Water, air, gasoline. Ketchup, toothpaste, paint.

6

Applications Applying brakes, dragging items along a surface, or rubbing your hands together all involve sliding friction. Rolling friction is commonly found in various applications, such as wheel-based transportation, ball bearings, and the motion of rolling objects.

Examples of Newtonian and Non-Newtonian Fluids:

Examples of Newtonian fluids include:

  1. Water: A common example of a Newtonian fluid is water. Under standard conditions, it maintains a constant viscosity, meaning its flow behavior remains unchanged regardless of the applied shear force or shear rate.
  1. Air: Air is another example of a Newtonian fluid, like water. It demonstrates consistent flow properties and stable viscosity even under various shear conditions.
  1. Gasoline: Another illustration of a Newtonian fluid is gasoline. Regardless of the shear force or shear rate, it flows freely and maintains a consistent viscosity.

Examples of non-Newtonian fluids include:

  1. Ketchup: Ketchup is a non-Newtonian fluid that demonstrates shear-thinning behavior. When stationary, it is thick and possesses a high viscosity.However, when shear stress is applied (such as during pouring or squeezing the bottle), its viscosity reduces, making it flow more easily.
  1. Toothpaste: Toothpaste is another common example of a non-Newtonian fluid.When pressure is applied during toothbrushing, it behaves like a shear-thinning fluid, becoming less viscous and flowing more freely.
  2. Polymer Solutions: Solutions that contain polymers, such as those used in certain industrial processes or cosmetics, often exhibit non-Newtonian behavior. Depending on the particular polymer and concentration, they may exhibit shear-thinning or shear-thickening capabilities.

Conclusion:

Non-Newtonian fluids exhibit variable viscosity under shear stress, while Newtonian fluids maintain a constant viscosity that is unaffected by shear force. Non-Newtonian fluids can display behaviors such as Bingham plasticity, shear-thinning, or both. Recognizing the differences between various fluid types allows for more precise and efficient design and optimization of processes and systems by enhancing understanding and analysis of their responses.

Fluids are characterized by their ability to flow and their resistance to permanent deformation. There are two primary categories of fluids: Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids. Newtonian fluids adhere to Newton’s law of constant viscosity, meaning they have consistent viscosities regardless of shear stress or shear rate. In contrast, non-Newtonian fluids have variable viscosities and their relationship to shear stress differs. Examples of Newtonian fluids include air and water, while blood, paint, toothpaste, and starch solutions are a few examples of non-Newtonian fluids.

 

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