A new pressure sensor array for normal stress measurement in complex fluids

A new pressure sensor array, positioned on the bottom plate of a standard torsional rheometer, is presented. It built from unique piezo-capacitive polymeric foam and consists 25 capacitive sensors (of surface 4.5 × mm 2 each) together in 5 regular array. The array used to obtain mapping normal stresses complex fluids, which dramatically extends capability rheometer. We demonstrate this with three examples. First, profile reconstructed polymer solution, enables simultaneous measurement first second stress differences N 1 2, precision Pa. In part, we show that negative pressures can also be measured. Finally, focus fluctuations extend both spatially temporally shear-thickening suspension cornstarch particles. evidence presence heterogeneity rotating very regularly. addition their low cost high versatility, here potential finely characterize viscosimetric flows.