We Know Simple Fluids Can Flow. Turns Out, Some Can Fracture

Researchers at Drexel University have discovered that certain simple, non-elastic fluids can fracture under stress, a phenomenon previously thought impossible. This finding challenges existing fluid dynamics models which suggest that simple liquids should only rearrange their molecules rather than snap.
Why it matters
This discovery provides new insights into material science and fluid physics, potentially impacting industries that handle complex viscous liquids like crude oil.
Home We Know Simple Fluids Can Flow. Turns Out, Some Can Fracture. Comment Save Article Read Later Share Facebook Copied! Copy link Email Pocket Reddit Ycombinator Comment Comments Save Article Read Later Read Later fluid dynamics We Know Simple Fluids Can Flow. Turns Out, Some Can Fracture. By Rohini Subrahmanyam July 10, 2026
The report is a factual summary of a scientific discovery published in a peer-reviewed journal.
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