A classification of fluids in which viscosity is independent of shear stress and time. It is named after Sir Isaac Newton (1642–1727) who first proposed that an (p. 253) applied shear stress, τ, is proportional to the deformation of the fluid or velocity gradient (or shear rate), γ:
Examples of Newtonian fluids include water, mercury, treacle, tar, mineral oils, glycerol, sucrose solutions, standard calibration oils (e.g. octane), milk, fruit juices, and honey. Fluids that do not fall into this classification are known as non-Newtonian fluids.