What is Shear Rate in Fluid Mechanics?

This podcast introduces shear rate, a crucial concept in fluid mechanics defining the velocity change between adjacent fluid layers. It explains the relationship between shear rate and shear stress, particularly differentiating between Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids where this relationship is linear and complex, respectively. The podcast details methods for measuring shear rate in laminar and Couette flows and emphasizes its importance in various applications, including industrial processes, blood flow analysis, and lubrication. Finally, it summarizes key takeaways on the significance of shear rate in understanding and predicting fluid behavior.