Viscosity of Liquid Metal Flow

Viscosity is an important physical property of liquid metals, which is a research focus from both theoretical and practical perspectives. Currently, viscosity models are usually semiempirical models based on the Arrhenius formula, and key parameters are fitted from experimental data. The measurement methods for viscosity include capillary method, rotation method, oscillating cup method, and oscillating plate method. The principles of the latter two are similar. This chapter provides a detailed introduction to the measurement research of liquid metal viscosity using capillary method, rotation method, and oscillating cup method. The trend of liquid metal viscosity with time and temperature was studied. The effects of oxides and the addition of solid particles on the viscosity of liquid metal were analyzed. Finally, the viscosity characteristics of liquid metal magnetorheological fluid (a composite material) were studied by using the rotation method, and the performance of this liquid metal magnetorheological fluid was comprehensively tested and characterized. In addition, the influencing factors of rheology characteristics were studied, and compared with the shear thinning characteristics of liquid metal.