Rheology - Volume II

Book excerpt: Rheology is a component of Encyclopedia of Chemical Sciences, Engineering and Technology Resources in the global Encyclopedia of Life Support Systems (EOLSS), which is an integrated compendium of twenty Encyclopedias. Rheology is the study of the flow of matter. It is classified as a physics discipline and focuses on substances that do not maintain a constant viscosity or state of flow. That can involve liquids, soft solids and solids that are under conditions that cause them to flow. It applies to substances which have a complex molecular structure, such as muds, sludges, suspensions, polymers and other glass formers, as well as many foods and additives, bodily fluids and other biological materials. The theme on Rheology focuses on five main areas, namely, basic concepts of rheology; rheometry; rheological materials, rheological processes and theoretical rheology. Of course, many of the chapters contain material from more than one general area. Rheology is an interdisciplinary subject which embraces many aspects of mathematics, physics, chemistry, engineering and biology. These two volumes are aimed at the following five major target audiences: University and College students Educators, Professional practitioners, Research personnel and Policy analysts, managers, and decision makers and NGOs.