Understanding Shear Modulus: How It Defines Fluid Properties

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the properties of fluids, specifically the shear modulus and bulk modulus. Participants debate the relevance of shear modulus in defining fluid behavior, with one asserting that fluids possess zero shear modulus, allowing flow under minimal shear stress. Another contributor emphasizes the importance of bulk modulus in describing compressibility. Ultimately, the conversation highlights the complexities of fluid mechanics and the relationship between shear modulus and fluid flow.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of shear modulus and its implications in fluid mechanics
  • Knowledge of bulk modulus and its role in compressibility
  • Familiarity with fluid dynamics concepts, particularly viscosity
  • Basic principles of elasticity as they relate to materials
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the relationship between shear modulus and fluid flow behavior
  • Explore the concept of bulk modulus in detail, particularly in relation to compressible fluids
  • Study the role of viscosity in fluid dynamics and its measurement techniques
  • Investigate the principles of elasticity and how they apply to different materials, including fluids
USEFUL FOR

Students in engineering and physics, fluid mechanics researchers, and professionals involved in material science or mechanical engineering will benefit from this discussion.

Sudarsan
Which modulus define a property of fluids??

The above mentioned question was asked in my college internals. The answer they suggested was sheer modulus.
Any explanations??
 
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I would have been more inclined to say the bulk modulus that describes compressibility.
 
Dr.D said:
I would have been more inclined to say the bulk modulus that describes compressibility.
That was my answer, but they didn't accept it..
 
Oh, well, what can I say?
 
Dr.D said:
Oh, well, what can I say?
They said flow of fluids related to sheer modulus. I can't understand even a single bit of that, I don't know how flow of fluids can be compared with Elasticity
 
Fluids have zero shear modulus, so fluid flow can be driven by an arbitrarily small shear stress. In this way, the shear modulus (or lack thereof) does define fluids, and the flow of fluids is indeed "related" to the shear modulus. But the question is vague. The bulk compressibility also characterizes the mechanical response of fluids, of course.

An analogous question might be: What electrical material property defines a superconductor? Answer: The conductivity (infinite) or resistivity (zero).
 
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Sudarsan said:
They said flow of fluids related to sheer modulus. I can't understand even a single bit of that, I don't know how flow of fluids can be compared with Elasticity
It's a stupid question, but I would have answered viscosity (which describes the shear-stress/shear-rate behavior of fluids.
 
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