Doing a NUMB3R on Non-Newtonian Fluids

On NUMB3RS the other night, Charlie and Larry run over a pool of a non-Newtonian fluid, comprised of cornstarch and water. (Larry sinks in the teaser segment, but is successful at the closing). Non-Newtonian fluids are those that have a viscosity that changes when you apply a force. In this case it is shear-thickening, so it behaves much like a solid when pressure is quickly applied.

Here’s a video of a quite similar scene
You need to a flashplayer enabled browser to view this YouTube video

0 thoughts on “Doing a NUMB3R on Non-Newtonian Fluids

  1. I recently found a couple of these that are in the similar video links (menu). The behavior is incredible, check out “Amazing Liquid” (It’s in black and white) for a more scientific demonstration of the properties. Until I find something better, this will be my mental image of the phrase “quantum foam”.