Perspective on edge fracture

Edge fracture is a viscoelastic instability characterized by the sudden indentation of fluid’s free surface when fluid subjected to high enough shear rate. During rheometry, can invade sample, decreasing its contact area with rheometer fixture and rendering measurement viscosity normal stresses at high-shear rates invalid. also induce apparent banding in fluid, complicating interpretation experimental results. Over past several decades, empirical theoretical research has unraveled physics underlying edge fracture. The knowledge obtained allowed rheologists develop techniques minimize adverse effect their experiments. In recent years, been used break up liquid bridges quickly cleanly, showing potential be adapted design functional dispensing nozzles. This Perspective article aims give historical overview suggests directions methods for suppressing or harnessing phenomenon benefit applications both fundamental technological importance.