Shear Thickening / Viscosity / Resistance to Deform of a Fluid (e.g. Cornstarch with Water)! Amazing Science Example to Teach a Great Leadership Trait!! Read this Interesting Perspective!!

 Dear Friends and Students

Couple of days back we organized a talk by Mr. Ajeeth Prabhu (linkedin.com/in/ajeeth-prabhu-577202a1) on a “Application of Shear Thickening Liquid for Social Cause ''. Mr. Ajeeth is doing a deep research on Shear Thickening Liquid properties with a noble objective to reduce the weight of a Bullet Proof Jacket of a Soldier!!

It was a 1 hour talk, but made the audience spellbound! Post session, we arranged Q&A. When we were interacting with students, we realized that this science application has great leadership meaning. First, it is solving the burden of an Indian soldier’s burden as a chest wear jacket and second, it is teaching a great management lesson! Before we dwell deep, let’s understand the science behind this.

Can you walk on a Water? Looks silly right? You look at this video, you will understand how? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-DZ0f0_NCA

If you mix corn with water and make a liquid. You apply a sudden force, it acts and becomes solid. You gently stand on it, you will sink!! What a contrast right? This is called a non-Newtonian fluid, a fluid that does not follow Newton's law of viscosity, i.e. constant viscosity independent of stress. Water is having constant viscosity whereas corn water liquid does not.

What is viscosity? It is a resistance of a fluid (liquid or gas) to a change in shape. It is the opposite of flow. Did you observe this- Our legs sink in dry sand and not in wet sand? You try this when you are walking on the beach! Same viscosity effect!

You learnt science, well! What is the leadership lesson in this?

A true leader should be like Shear Thickening Liquid or non-Newtonian fluid! When someone attacks (I mean not physical attack but if you are put in an unwanted situation or allegation or blaming for a wrong cause), you become strong, protect your skin and tit-for-tat. However, when you need to handle an issue gently, act like a constant viscous liquid like Water, where you sink fully!

Is it not a great leadership trait! Do you agree?

Become a non-Newtonian fluid! Increase your Shear Thickening Capacity!

Is Your Heart filled with Corn Starch Liquid? If not, fill it!!

Your Well-wisher

Ravi Saripalle

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