👉 The Richards fluid, named after physicist R. E. J. Richards, is a unique non-Newtonian fluid that exhibits both viscous and elastic properties. Unlike typical Newtonian fluids, which have a constant viscosity regardless of applied stress, or shear-thinning fluids that decrease viscosity with increased shear rate, the Richards fluid can change its viscosity based on the applied stress and time. At low stresses, it behaves like a liquid, but under higher stresses, it can exhibit elastic behavior, storing and releasing energy like a solid. This dual nature makes it highly versatile and useful in various applications, including industrial processes, biological systems, and materials science.
richards fluid