Science question

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Yogimus
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Science question

Post by Yogimus »

Is it possible to gelatinize a non-newtonian fluid?

Namely, can I mix Jello, water, and cornstarch, and what the hell would I get? (I plan on shooting it)
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Rod
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Re: Science question

Post by Rod »

A non-translucent glob I'd suspect.
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Denis
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Re: Science question

Post by Denis »

Jello is already gelatin, just with sugar and colouring added. Mix it up thick, let it set in blocks and shoot it, like this: http://www.myscienceproject.org/gelatin.html

Another ballistic gelatin recipe.

I don't see that the cornstarch gets you anything much over and above that. If you really want to shoot something cornstarch-based, make really, really thick custard or blancmange, mould it up and shoot that. It won't be reusable the way gelatin would.

BTW, hide glue is basically the same stuff as gelatin, just not purified as much for food use. You may find it cheaper to buy hide glue powder in bulk than food-grade jello or gelatin powder.
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Erik
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Re: Science question

Post by Erik »

I remember mythbusters tried that to see if the cornstarch made it bulletproof. It didnt, but there was no problem shooting at it. Or through it.
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Greg
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Re: Science question

Post by Greg »

Cornstarch mixed with water in the right proportions gets you a really cool non-Newtonian fluid. Viscosity isn't constant - it acts like a solid when you apply force to it.

Suspect Yogi is trying to combine the awesome. No idea what would happen when you try, never did that. Oobleck is a lot of fun, have you already tried shooting it? I know it's fun to hit with a hammer.
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MiddleAgedKen
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Re: Science question

Post by MiddleAgedKen »

Greg wrote:Cornstarch mixed with water in the right proportions gets you a really cool non-Newtonian fluid. Viscosity isn't constant - it acts like a solid when you apply force to it.

Suspect Yogi is trying to combine the awesome. No idea what would happen when you try, never did that.
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skb12172
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Re: Science question

Post by skb12172 »

Before you did anything, I'd take off and nuke it from orbit....y'know...since it's the only way to be sure.
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Yogimus
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Re: Science question

Post by Yogimus »

gelatinized non newtonian fluid
Precision
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Re: Science question

Post by Precision »

The gelatin makes a "matrix" which gives it the "rigidity" Non newtonian fluids do not have that "matrix". The cornstarch would not be an enhancer other than adding density to the gelatin mix.

IMO
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Darrell
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Re: Science question

Post by Darrell »

How about a nice bowl of oatmeal? ;)
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