Goofing around with Non-Newtonian [Goo] Fluid

theinquisitor Says:

Mar 16, 2008 - Since it behaves as a solid when you apply a lot of force, does that mean you could run across quicksand if you slammed your feet down hard enough?

smarterthanthat Says:

Mar 16, 2008 - Good question, I am not sure. The Mythbusters has an episode about quicksand once, I should re-watch it :) But quicksand is non-newtonian, the only question is "how much" it reacts proportionally to the force applied. Corstarch and water reacts pretty heavily, so you could run through it -- and there are quite a lot of vids showing it (just look up "corn starch and water" or "non newtonian fluid", and catch a bunch :)

BorgHub Says:

Mar 16, 2008 - cool. I didn't know about this. thanks

theinquisitor Says:

Mar 16, 2008 - Yeah I remember there was an episode of Brainiac where they showed a guy walking across a swimming pool full of custard. The moment he stopped he sunk in and they had a hard time pulling him out. You can find it by searching for: brainiac custard.

mooeypoo Says:

Mar 16, 2008 - Yeah I've seen it too, it's pretty cool. I'm not sure, but I think they said something about it being similar to quicksand.. it's a good question, though.. in need of more information :)

msginca Says:

Mar 16, 2008 - I didn't know about this either ... she makes it fun!Thank You MooeyPoo!!!

bLaSsSlAyEr Says:

Mar 16, 2008 - Wow~ pretty amazing~

CousinoMacul Says:

Mar 16, 2008 - I remember seeing an experiment done with the cornstarch/water mixture on a vibrating table. Cool stuff!watch?v=1jqKj8pgUi8

thelleht Says:

Mar 16, 2008 - I heard that ketchup is a Non-Newtonian fluid too. But in the opposite way to cornstarch. It resists moving, until you get it moving, then it flows.

smarterthanthat Says:

Mar 16, 2008 - Someone told me that but I couldn't find references. The only thing I could find is that Ketchup is losing viscosity with relation of time, and I am not too sure if this constitutes a non-Newtonian fluid.. I am still checking, if you find anything, let me know.

smarterthanthat Says:

Mar 16, 2008 - I actually wanted to try it out, I have a back massager that vibrates but it wasn't stable enough.... GREAT demonstration though. I'm still curious to know how this stuff reacts with change of temperature, too :)

CousinoMacul Says:

Mar 16, 2008 - "back" massager: riiiight. Just kidding. ;-P

smarterthanthat Says:

Mar 16, 2008 - Yeah, that's part of the reason why I ended up not filming it :P

GOAQ Says:

Mar 16, 2008 - Doest compressing it kind of heat it up, therefore making Newton kind of correct too? I thought the explanation was a little different but i may be mistaken.

smarterthanthat Says:

Mar 16, 2008 - Newton *was* correct, there are just exceptions to his rule. Most liquids do behave the way he stated, and those who don't have other mechanisms at play.It's not heat that makes the matter turn to solid, it is the force that is applied to it. It's true that compression creates heat, but it's not what's causing the change. check out the clips with the cornstarch in a vibrating surface to see the effect of the forces (that one's REALLY cool.. it dances!)

GOAQ Says:

Mar 16, 2008 - Thanks for the response.Bit rusty on the subject. Yes i watched those vibrating vids a while back. Amazing, the stuffs almost alive! Another experiment for you:PVA glue and washing powder is fun for slime. I love experiments and understanding what's going on. Standing on the shoulders of giants though.Loving your vids. Both channels.

thelleht Says:

Mar 17, 2008 - The article "Thixotropic" on wikipedia gives ketchup as an example of a fluid that reduces it's viscosity under stress. Doesn't give any real info though.

punkassrocky666 Says:

Mar 18, 2008 - I loved that I gotta go find some carnstarch water and my sister for a prank. ~peace

JeanMichelAbrassart Says:

Mar 20, 2008 - Very clear explanation.Keep the good work!

keith1201 Says:

Apr 27, 2008 - nerd

Sonnythemobster Says:

Jul 29, 2008 - do you mind if i ask if your foreign. you sound like it a little. great video. you should check out my oobleck video. Whoa, i just realized we used the same brand of cornstarch...maybe we used the same brand of tap water too.

peanutbutter28443 Says:

Nov 7, 2008 - I like peanutbutter

koolaidman007 Says:

Nov 25, 2008 - You can pour it down the drain. You just have to run the water while you do it so it breaks the fluid up

smarterthanthat Says:

Nov 26, 2008 - Well, you need to be very careful - if this stuff remains in the folded parts of the pipes, it can clog them. And since most people probably don't know how to do this properly, I just thought it would be safest to advise against it :)