Neil Cunningham: Essential tools for the new Rheologist.
What is rheology and how can you use it to practically describe the flow and deformation of structured fluids and soft solids? Neil Cunningham will provide an accessible introduction to key rheological behaviours that will enhance your tool kit for understanding these important product characteristics. He will answer questions such as:
- What is viscoelasticity and how does it relate to structured fluids and soft solids?
- What is the difference between rate-control and stress-control, and what common processes are associated with each?
- What are shear thinning and thixotropy? How do these apparently similar phenomena differ from one another?
- What is the difference between strength and rigidity in structured fluid and soft solid structure?
- What are normal stresses and why are they important?
Join us for an applied, accessible introduction to these important tools for understanding and describing rheological behaviour.
About the Speaker
Neil Cunningham is the founder and director of the Centre for Industrial Rheology (www.rheologylab.com). Neil started his career in rheology in 1995 as a sales engineer for TA Instruments in the United Kingdom and Rheometric Scientific throughout the UK and Europe. Since becoming an independent consultant in 1998, Neil has consulted for many hundreds of companies worldwide and has trained an estimated three thousand formulators, researchers, process designers, and quality controllers in the principles and practical application of rheology and viscosity testing. Over that time he has gained an intimate knowledge of rheometry and viscometry and has gained a unique breadth of understanding of the needs of industries from pharmaceuticals and consumer healthcare products, to foods, cosmetics, and industrial coatings and adhesives.
In 2012, Neil founded the Centre for Industrial Rheology, a specialist laboratory in Hampshire, England, providing sample testing services, practical training courses, and advice for companies looking to gain a better understanding of the behavior of their products.
Neil has gained a reputation for his accessible, enthusiastic approach to rheology and his ability to convey seemingly impenetrable concepts to even the most non-technical person.
