A general constitutive model for dense, fine-particle suspensions validated in many geometries

Fine particle suspensions (such as cornstarch mixed with water) exhibit dramatic changes in viscosity when sheared, producing fascinating behaviors that captivate children and rheologists alike. Recent examination of these mixtures in simple flow geometries suggests inter-granular repulsion is central to this effect --- for mixtures at rest or shearing slowly, repulsion prevents frictional contacts from forming between particles, whereas, when...