Portable, Precise, Calibration-Free, Rheological Characterization of Fluid Viscoelasticity for Rapid Use

Apparatuses and methods designed to allow for on-site, on-demand measurement of rheological properties of a sample are disclosed. The apparatuses and methods utilize both a visual component (e.g., a camera) to obtain information about the sample for making such rheological property determinations and an integrated electrical circuit to apply a current to the sample for also making such rheological property determinations. The application of the current is done in a manner such that a thinning behavior of the sample is unaffected. Further, the apparatuses are configured in a manner that allow them to be portable so that samples can be analyzed shortly after they are received, at a point-of-use. Various configurations and methods associated with such apparatuses are also disclosed.