Protecting Phone Screens: The Science of Non-Newtonian Fluids and Shear Thickening

Phone screens are vulnerable to damage from falls and impacts. To safeguard them, non-Newtonian fluids can be used. These fluids have unique properties that enable them to change their consistency when exposed to sudden force or impact, becoming rigid and absorbing energy instead of transferring it to the screen.

This technology operates on the principle of shear thickening, where the fluid’s viscosity increases with shear stress applied. Cornstarch mixed with water is an example of a non-Newtonian fluid that can be used to create a protective layer on phone screens that becomes more solid on impact, forming a barrier against shattering.

The use of non-Newtonian fluids as a protective measure for phone screens is a practical application of physics principles. These fluids offer a cost-effective and lightweight solution for enhancing the durability of phone screens without compromising their sensitivity.

To summarize, non-Newtonian fluids can be an innovative way to protect phone screens from damage by dissipating impact energy through shear thickening technology. This solution offers practicality and effectiveness in improving the durability of phone screens while maintaining touch sensitivity.