Image for complex viscosity

complex viscosity

Complex viscosity is a measure of how a material resists flow when subjected to a changing, oscillating force, such as shaking or vibrating. Unlike regular viscosity, which describes how thick or sticky a liquid is, complex viscosity accounts for both the material’s resistance to flow and its elastic behavior (like a spring). It is especially useful for materials like polymers or gels, which can behave both as liquids and solids depending on the conditions. Essentially, complex viscosity helps scientists understand how such materials respond to dynamic forces over a range of speeds and frequencies.