Monday, 29 January 2007

Non-Newtonian fluids and a question...

I was doing some work related research today (hydrostatics - don't ask), and came across this video (work safe, but you can turn the volume off).

Neat, huh? Cornstarch. Now you too can follow in Jesus's footsteps, as long as you move fast enough.

The viscosity of this sucker increases with force. Hit it hard, and it acts as a solid. Put steady pressure on it and it acts as a liquid.

Now, here's a question for you. Imagine you drain half the cornstarch out and add something heavier that behaves normally - oil, for example. The cornstarch will wind up floating on the oil. What happens if you try to run on it now?

Something to file away for when I have the time, the money, some unsuspecting friends and a shitload of starch...

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