On the behaviour of thixotropic fluids with a distribution of structure

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Abstract
This letter discusses the criticism - based on the fact that real fluids are multistructured - that has been made of theoretical studies on thixotropy that employ only one structural parameter. The kinds of experimental observations that could be obtained on multistructured fluids are suggested, but a review of recent results indicates that there is no evidence that multistructured behaviour is significant. There are, of course, many experimental difficulties associated with the study of thixotropy, resulting in much scatter in data. It is concluded that at the present state of knowledge the first approximation in the description of thixotropy in the form of the single-structured theory is adequate, particularly for engineering and technological purposes. In case multistructured behaviour should become apparent, the way in which a second approximation can be set up is summarized, with reference being made to the report in which details are given.