Viscous fingering to fracturing transition in Hele–Shaw flow of shear-thickening fluid

We experimentally investigate the interplay of viscous fingering and fracturing in a radial Hele–Shaw cell displacing non-Newtonian (shear-thickening) fluid. have used cornstarch suspension different compositions (39%–48% w/w dispersed water–CsCl solution), rheology exhibits shear thickening behavior beyond rate 1 s−1. observe transition from to dendritic morphology critical weight fraction suspension. analyze plot injected phase displaced as function volume for fractions The injection pressure invading fluid (air or oil) present work has no significant effect on patterns. pattern is possible if (and consequently flow rate) increased. width finger decreases with widens due reduced local size. but increases volume.