Classification of Fluid

A.) Ideal Fluids incompressible, inviscid fluids which exhibit uniform velocity distribution when
flowing

B.) Real Fluids

1.) Newtonian Fluids follows Newtons Law of Viscosity; viscosity is constant
2.) Non- Newtonian Fluids - viscosity is variable
2.1.) Shear-Dependent Non-Newtonian Fluids

Bingham plastics - like a solid at low stresses and like a viscous liquid at high stresses.
Bingham plastics require a finite amount of shear stress before flowing.
Examples: toothpaste, jellies, some slurries

Dilatants - exhibit shear thickening (increasing viscosity) with increasing shear stress.
Examples: starch suspensions, long-chain hydrocarbons

Pseudoplastic - exhibit shear thinning (decreasing viscosity) with increasing shear stress.
Examples: mayonnaise, blood, high-molecular-weight polymers

2.2.) Time-Dependent Non-Newtonian Fluids

Rheopectic fluids - exhibit increasing viscosity through time while undergoing shear stress.
Examples: clay suspensions, jellies, bentonite (absorbent clay)

Thixotropic fluids - exhibit decreasing viscosity through time while undergoing shear stress.
They tend to solidify when at rest.
Examples: paint, printer ink

Viscoelastic fluids - exhibit both viscous and elastic properties.

Examples: egg white

* White, Frank M. Fluid Mechanics 4th ed. McGraw-Hill. 1998. pp 28.