Research facilities of the IAM Fluid Mechanics Group include the Laboratory for Complex and Non-Newtonian Fluid Flow (Fluids Lab), which is operated by the IAM faculty in the Mathematics Department. The Lab contains space, tools and equipment for experiments, including several rheometers and other equipment for studying fundamental fluid properties. Recent experiments include skipping and sloshing (the dynamics of skimming stones and reservoirs with movable dams), as well as the pinch-off of pendant drops and liquid bridges of complex fluids.

Complex fluids have microscopic structure that influences the macroscopic flow behaviour. For example, suspended polymers can unravel and intertwine as fluid flows, endowing the material with an effective elasticity; such viscoelastic fluids climb rods rotating in them and extend into strong, fine filaments. Other fluids have networks of interacting particles that build a microstructure capable of holding the fluid up against gravity and other stress; such viscoplastic fluids include mud, hair gel and tomato ketchup.