Rheology is the science that studies the
deformation and
flow of
matter. The discipline is concerned with the
macroscopic properties
of matter that determine its behavior when a mechanical
force is
applied.
Unlike Fluid Mechanics, that only studies the properties of
fluids, rheology is concerned with all phases of matter: solids,
liquids and gases.
Rheology has important applications in metal processing, plastics, paints and coatings,
and geology (lava/glacial flow).