Bingham Plastic: Explanation and Examples

Bingham plastic is a type of non-Newtonian fluid that behaves like a solid until a certain amount of stress is applied to it, after which it begins to flow like a liquid. This type of fluid is characterized by a yield stress, which is the minimum stress required to initiate flow, and a plastic viscosity, which is the resistance to flow once the yield stress has been exceeded.

Examples of Bingham Plastic

Among various fluids, some examples of Bingham plastic are as follows:

Toothpaste
Toothpaste is an example of a Bingham plastic because it behaves like a solid until a certain amount of shear stress is applied, after which it begins to flow like a fluid. The yield stress of toothpaste is the force required to squeeze the toothpaste out of the tube, and the plastic viscosity is the resistance to flow once the toothpaste has started to come out.

Mayonnaise
Mayonnaise is another example of a Bingham plastic because it has a yield stress which is the force required to start pouring, and a plastic viscosity which is the resistance to flow once it has been poured.

Paints and inks
Paints and inks are also examples of Bingham plastics because they behave like a solid until they are stirred or shaken, after which they begin to flow like a liquid. The yield stress of paints and inks is the force required to start mixing, and the plastic viscosity is the resistance to flow once they have been mixed.

Conclusion

In summary, a Bingham plastic is a type of non-Newtonian fluid that behaves like a solid until a certain amount of stress is applied, after which it begins to flow like a liquid. Toothpaste, mayonnaise, paints, and inks are some examples of Bingham plastics.