Break-up in Capillary Thinning Experiments: Using the CaBER to Determine Maximum Tensile Strength at Low Stressing Rates.

The maximum tensile strength of fluids is an important guide to the onset of cavitation. Being able to predict the onset of cavitation is important in formulation for industries as diverse as printing and automotive industries. A technique has been developed to use break-up at the end of a capillary thinning experiment to determine the maximum tensile strength of the test fluid. The technique has been applied to a range of concentrations and molecular weights of polyethylene glycol. The results have been validated by comparison with the values and behaviours observed from the bullet piston apparatus. Some discussion regarding the advantages, differences and applicability of using the CaBER is also provided. Some discussion is also provided regarding break-up in capillary thinning experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]