👉 The Leonard fluid, also known as Leonard's fluid or Leonard's viscous fluid, is a non-Newtonian fluid discovered by physicist Robert G. Leonard in 1977. Unlike traditional Newtonian fluids, which have a constant viscosity regardless of applied stress, Leonard's fluid exhibits a unique property: its viscosity changes in response to the rate at which it is sheared. Specifically, when subjected to a higher shear rate (such as being stirred or squeezed), the fluid becomes less viscous, allowing it to flow more easily. Conversely, when the shear rate decreases, the fluid's viscosity increases, making it more resistant to flow. This behavior is due to the complex molecular structure of the fluid, which can form temporary networks or structures under stress, altering its flow properties. This fascinating characteristic makes Leonard's fluid a valuable model for studying complex fluid dynamics and has applications in various fields, including materials science and biophysics.
