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Description

Custard is a Non-Newtonian fluid, which means that its viscosity (thickness) is dependent on the force applied to it. If you were to fill a swimming pool with custard you could walk on its surface as long as you keep moving and applying force to the custard. In this experiment the YP will be able to use the non Newtonian properties of custard to make a piece of 'body armor' that is soft when at rest but hardens on impact.

Resources

Custard - the thicker the better
Zip-lock bags
Strong sellotape

Instructions

Half fill one of the Zip-Lock bags with the custard and seal it, try to squeeze out excess air before sealing.
Tape over the seal to make sure it is custard proof.
Place the custard filled bag in another zip lock bag and then squeeze out the excess air.
Seal and tape the 2nd bag closed.

Lay out the custard filled bag on the table in front of you, the custard will spread out in the bag when it is at rest.

Experiment with how force affects the custard, for example:
* Touching the custard with one, two, or three fingers. How does it react?
* Hitting the custard lightly with the palm of your hand. How does it react?
* Hitting the custard harder with the base of a plastic cup. How does it react?

Discuss findings with the group and try to figure out why it behaves this way and what applications this may have in the real world.

Tags

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Badge Links

• Scientist - Experiment
• Scientist - Real World