Phenomenological modeling of the response of a dense colloidal suspension under dynamic squeezing flow

► High stress/strain rate squeezing flow behavior of a concentrated colloidal suspension is evaluated via Hopkinson bar methodology. ► Results provide insight into the transitional and post-transitional behavior of these discontinuously thickening materials under compressive loading. ► A phenomenological model describing the overall material response is achieved via surface fitting σ-ε-ε˙ plots of experimental results. ► Analysis of the model reveals that, after an initial period of viscous deformation, the suspension behavior is viscoelastic. ► At high stresses, the suspension exhibits purely viscous behavior, consistent with current elastohydrodynamic models.