Bingham

Definition

Bingham refers to a specific type of fluid behavior characterized by a yield stress, meaning it will not flow until a certain stress level is exceeded. This concept is crucial for understanding how certain materials behave under stress, particularly in rheology, where the flow behavior of complex fluids is analyzed. Bingham materials are often seen in everyday substances like toothpaste and some types of paint, making the study of their rheological properties essential for practical applications in various industries.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Bingham fluids are classified as non-Newtonian because their viscosity changes with applied stress rather than remaining constant.
2. The flow behavior of Bingham materials can be described mathematically using the Bingham plastic model, which incorporates both yield stress and plastic viscosity.
3. Common examples of Bingham fluids include certain types of slurries, drilling muds, and food products like mayonnaise.
4. In practical applications, understanding the yield stress of a Bingham material is vital for processing and manufacturing, ensuring products have the desired consistency and workability.
5. Bingham behavior can be assessed using various rheological characterization methods, allowing researchers and engineers to optimize material formulations and processing techniques.

Review Questions

• How does the yield stress in Bingham materials influence their application in everyday products?
  • The yield stress in Bingham materials determines how much force is needed before the material begins to flow. This property is critical for products like toothpaste or paint, which must maintain their shape until a certain pressure is applied. Understanding this allows manufacturers to design products that perform effectively without leaking or losing consistency before use.
• Discuss the mathematical model used to describe Bingham fluids and its significance in rheological studies.
  • The mathematical model for Bingham fluids incorporates both yield stress and plastic viscosity, typically represented by the equation: $$ au = au_y + u_p rac{du}{dy}$$ where $$ au$$ is the shear stress, $$ au_y$$ is the yield stress, $$ u_p$$ is the plastic viscosity, and $$rac{du}{dy}$$ is the shear rate. This model is significant because it allows researchers to predict how these fluids will behave under different stress conditions, which is essential for designing processes in industries like cosmetics and food production.
• Evaluate the implications of Bingham fluid behavior on the design and engineering of industrial processes.
  • The implications of Bingham fluid behavior on industrial processes are profound, as it dictates how materials will flow and interact during processing. Understanding yield stress helps engineers design equipment that can efficiently handle these materials without blockages or failures. Additionally, knowing how to manipulate the viscosity through formulations can lead to innovations in product performance and application methods, making it a key consideration in industries such as construction, food production, and cosmetics.

Related terms

Yield Stress: The minimum stress required to initiate flow in a Bingham material.

Viscoplasticity: A property of materials that exhibit both viscous and plastic characteristics when subjected to stress.

Rheometer: An instrument used to measure the flow properties of fluids, including the determination of yield stress in Bingham materials.