Force constant of cornstarch and non-Newtonian fluids

[superaznnerd]

How do you measure the ability of a substance to take compression? Do you use the force constant (k) of Hooke's law? F = -kx?

For example, what propoerty correlates with a trampoline's ability to take compression better than a bed?

Also, where can I find the force constant (k) of everyday items? More specificlly, I am looking for the force constant (k) of cooking corn starch, a non Newtonain fluid? Does anyone know it?

 

[cragar]

k is a spring constant , k is measured by doing an experiment , putting a weight on and seeing how much it stretches but maybe you can see how mush cornstarch gives , by psi/distance and do some testing

 

[Andy Resnick]

Are you thinking of Young's modulus?