Fluid - Physics

Physics

Fluids display properties such as:

• not resisting deformation, or resisting it only lightly (viscosity), and
• the ability to flow (also described as the ability to take on the shape of the container).This also means that all fluids have the property of fluidity.

These properties are typically a function of their inability to support a shear stress in static equilibrium.

Solids can be subjected to shear stresses, and to normal stresses—both compressive and tensile. In contrast, ideal fluids can only be subjected to normal, compressive stress which is called pressure. Real fluids display viscosity and so are capable of being subjected to low levels of shear stress.