Non-Newtonian Fluid
Viscosity that fights back — or surrenders — depending on how hard you push.
The power law fluid model relates viscosity to strain rate: μ = K · |˙γ|n−1. For a Newtonian fluid, n = 1 and viscosity is constant. When n > 1 (dilatant), the fluid resists more strongly as you stir faster — this is why cornstarch and water can support a running person but swallows a slow-pressing hand.
When n < 1 (pseudoplastic), the fluid flows more freely under force — ketchup stays put until you shake the bottle hard enough. Mayonnaise, blood, and most polymer solutions are pseudoplastic. The color map shows local effective viscosity: blue is thin and mobile, red is thick and resistant.
This simulation uses a grid of velocity and strain-rate fields. Each cell tracks its local shear and updates viscosity via the power law. Drag your mouse to inject momentum and watch the viscosity landscape respond.