A system and method for measuring the deformation over time of the surface of a non-Newtonian fluid in a sampling container in response to an airjet that is applied for a specified time. The change is the sample surface displacement is measured quantitatively by means of optical triangulation or other similar optical or electronic distance measuring device. After cessation of the airjet, gravitational forces cause the sample material to flow back to its original surface profile. Both the amplitude of the deformation displacement due to the force of the airjet and the recovered displacement, within specific time periods are characteristic of asphalt binder material with varying amounts of polymer or other additives used to control the ultimate properties and performance of the material. As a result, comparison of the quantitative measurements of control samples can allow discrimination from samples with different properties and hence different formulations.