What is the characteristic variation shown by the thixotropic fluids i...
Explanation: Thixotropic fluid show a Non-Newtonian variation for shear stress vs. rate of shear strain graph after a characteristic limiting value of shear stress is reached.
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What is the characteristic variation shown by the thixotropic fluids i...
Thixotropic fluids are a type of non-Newtonian fluid that exhibit time-dependent behavior. They are characterized by their ability to undergo a reversible change in viscosity under the influence of shear stress. In other words, the viscosity of thixotropic fluids decreases over time when subjected to a constant shear stress. This behavior is often observed in materials such as gels, pastes, and certain paints.
Shear stress vs. rate of shear strain graph:
When plotting the shear stress against the rate of shear strain for thixotropic fluids, the graph shows a characteristic variation. The correct answer, option 'C', states that the shear stress shows variation only after a definite shear stress is reached.
Explanation:
To understand this behavior, let's consider what happens when a thixotropic fluid is subjected to shear stress. Initially, when the fluid is at rest or has been stationary for a long time, it exhibits a high viscosity and behaves like a solid. As the shear stress is applied, the fluid starts to flow, and its viscosity decreases.
Initially, as the shear stress increases, the rate of shear strain also increases. However, the shear stress does not increase linearly with the rate of shear strain. Instead, it remains relatively constant until a certain threshold or yield stress is reached. This is because the fluid's structure is still intact, and the particles are tightly bound together.
Once the yield stress is exceeded, the fluid undergoes a structural breakdown, and its viscosity decreases significantly. The shear stress then starts to decrease with an increase in the rate of shear strain. This behavior is known as shear thinning, where the fluid becomes less viscous as the shear rate increases.
In the shear stress vs. rate of shear strain graph, this behavior is represented by a horizontal line at the beginning, indicating the constant shear stress during the structural breakdown phase. After the yield stress is surpassed, the graph shows a decreasing trend, indicating the decreasing shear stress with an increasing rate of shear strain.
Therefore, the correct answer is option 'C', shear stress shows variation only after a definite shear stress is reached, in the shear stress vs. rate of shear strain graph for thixotropic fluids.
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