Non-Newtonian Fluids Concept

Demonstrations in Non-Newtonian Fluids

White cornstarch-water mixture forming peaked tentacle structures on a large speaker cone covered with clear plastic wrap, secured with binder clips, illuminated by a small desk lamp
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Dancing Cornstarch

Demonstrates shear-thickening (dilatant) behavior in a non-Newtonian fluid. A cornstarch-water mixture on a vibrating speaker forms dramatic "dancing" tentacle structures, showing that viscosity can depend on applied stress rather than …
Vaughan claw hammer with wooden handle, two pink Silly Putty balls on green surface — left ball has a smooth indentation from slow pressing, right ball on wooden base board (labeled "Base for Cracking Silly Putty") shows deep cracks from hammer strikes

Viscoelasticity - Silly Putty

Demonstrates rate-dependent mechanical response: Silly Putty flows when pressed slowly but shatters when struck with a hammer. Students see that a material's behavior as "solid" or "liquid" depends on the …