Rheology has been properly defined as the study of the flow and deformation of materials. The relationship between stress and deformation is a property of the material. We can therefore define Rheology as the study of stress-deformation relationships.

Rheometer is a mechanical spectrometer that is capable of subjecting a sample to either a dynamic (sinusoidal) or steady (linear) shear strain (deformation). Then measuring the resultant torque expended by the sample in response to the shear strain (shear strain is applied by the motor- torque is measured by the transducer). In the dynamic mode, the motor begins all tests at the motor zero position, and drives symmetrically about motor zero to the strain commanded by the software. The motor is labeled with graduations indicating 0.1, 0.25, and 0.5 radians from motor zero. The maximum angular deflection of the motor is 0.5 radians from either side of motor zero. In the steady mode, the motor can begin a test from any position, rotating either clockwise or counterclockwise as specified by the user using software. Different geometry can be used for measurements. Please see an overview:  

When a variety of cones and plates are available:

1. Low viscosity (milk)- 60 mm geometry.

2. Medium viscosity (honey)- 40 mm geometry.

3. High viscosity (caramel)- 20 mm geometry.

Please contact Krystyna Brzezinska (kbrzez@mrl.ucsb.edu) to schedule training. Before training starts please read MANUAL.

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