An electrorheological (ER) fluid is a suspension of semiconducting particles in a non-conducting carrier fluid. The novel feature of this fluid is its ability to change its rheological properties upon the application of an external electric field. To investigate the properties of an activated ER fluid an experimental oscillatory electroviscometer was commissioned and a fluid tested. Conclusions drawn from the results were that the activated ER fluid changed from a viscous system, to one with a yield stress, elasticity and enhanced viscosity. These rheological changes were catalogued for a variety of electric field strengths, oscillatory frequencies and amplitudes.
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