What does "Flow Birefringence" mean?
Table of Contents
Flow birefringence is a phenomenon observed when certain materials, like cellulose nanocrystal suspensions, are subjected to flow. When these materials flow, they can change how light passes through them, causing an effect known as birefringence. This change can be influenced by the direction and speed of the flow.
How It Works
In simple terms, when light hits a flowing material, its path can split based on how the material is stressed. This means that as the fluid moves, the light behaves differently depending on the stress within the material. Specific instruments are used to measure these changes in light, helping scientists understand the flow behavior better.
Importance
Understanding flow birefringence is important because it can reveal how materials move and change under different conditions. This knowledge can be valuable in various industries, especially those dealing with fluids and materials that need to be processed or transformed. By looking at how the light interacts with flowing materials, researchers can gain insights that could lead to better products and processes.