viscometer polymers True Shear Parallel Plate Viscometer Docket: UAH-P-07003 Technology Researchers at UAH have developed a viscometer (a device for measuring fluid viscosity) for use with liquids and glasses over a large temperature range. This viscometer can also be used as a rheometer (i.e. for non-Newtonian fluids such as toothpastes and polymers). This device uses a new method based on measuring fluid viscosity that depends on the shear stress and its rate. This makes it inherently more accurate than conventional commercial viscometers, since all parameters other than the load are dimensional. Since conventional devices depend on measuring the resistance to rotation, their measurements will not be accurate when used on most polymers, rubbers, and glasses. In this technology the simplest mechanical model is used, because it is based on the ideal classical technique for viscosity measurement. Each parameter of the viscosity measurement is a fundamental entry into the equation such that contributions to the measurement error are immediately known. Applications Liquid viscometer to measure the way in which a liquid flows in response to applied forces. Viscometer for glasses, polymers, and rubbers. Advantages Follows simplest mechanical model to measure viscosity Can measure viscosity of liquids with very low viscosity (such as glass) at low temperatures Only small displacements from rest position required to make a measurement, reducing instrument error Measurement error contributors can be known easily More accurate than conventional methods Ability to make measurements at high temperatures much quicker than conventional techniques. Status State of Development: Prototype Licensing Status: Available for licensing Patent Status: Proprietary