What is rheology anyway?
pdf version of this article by Faith A. Morrison When the hotel clerk at a Society of Rheology meeting asks me what rheology is, I have a ready answer I could use: “Rheology is the study of deformation and flow.” This is true, but not an answer that would usually trigger a light-bulb moment for the friendly staff member. Instead, I say, “Rheology is the study of the flow of materials that behave in an interesting or unusual manner. Oil and water flow in familiar, normal ways, whereas mayonnaise, peanut butter, chocolate, bread dough, and Silly Putty flow in complex and unusual ways. In rheology, we study the flows of unusual materials.” I have even had the experience of explaining rheology to a guest at a wedding reception. “Oh, you’re writing a book,” says Dipankar, a theater director and friend of the bride. “What is it about?” “It’s a college textbook called Understanding Rheology.” Then came the predictable question. “What’s rheology?” Because we had time before the dancing resumed
