The role of elasticity in thixotropy: Transient elastic stress during stepwise reduction in shear rate

Despite the wide-spread use and importance of thixotropic materials, accurate theoretical descriptions are still limited to a handful model transient flow conditions. We employ an iterative series tests experimentally probe complex dynamics exhibited by materials. cessation identify elastic stresses during stress jump tests. It is shown that evolution closely follows total in tests, indicating elasticity significant contributor thixotropy.