Molasses Disaster
Shear thickening fluids, like a mixture of cornstarch and water, can behave unexpectedly under pressure, as demonstrated by the tragic molasses tank disaster in Boston. A sudden temperature rise and a massive influx of heated molasses created catastrophic pressure, leading to a violent explosion that sent a 25-foot wave of molasses racing through the streets at 35 mph. The aftermath was devastating, with initial casualties rising from ten to a final count of twenty-one as the thick syrup trapped victims, illustrating the perilous nature of non-Newtonian fluids.In this clip
From this podcast
Everything Everywhere Daily
The Great Molasses Flood
Related Questions