Fluid Mechanics (Lab)

CIT-360
 Lab No. 1
Determination of viscosity
of given liquids using
viscometer.
Objective
The objective of this lab is to determine
the viscosity with varying temperature of
the liquids and also on atmospheric
temperature. So that we can calculate how
viscosity of fluid and temperature affects
the liquid to flow.
Apparatus
Viscometer (Redwood Viscometer No.1)
Stopwatch
Thermometer
Graduated flask
Digital weigh balance
Related Theory
The theory that is related to this lab is as
following;
 Viscometer
An instrument that is used to measure the
viscosity of fluid is called viscometer.
Redwood viscometer has two types
1. Redwood Viscometer No.1 (Laboratory Used)
2. Redwood Viscometer No.2 (Industrial Used)
Related Theory
Redwood Viscometer No.1 Redwood Viscometer No.2
Used in laboratory Used in industry

It is used to determine the It is used to determine the

viscosity of less viscous oils having viscosity of viscous oils having flow
flow (efflux) time less than 2000 (efflux) time more than 2000
seconds. seconds.

The jet orifice of redwood The jet orifice of redwood

viscometer 1 has an internal viscometer 2 has an internal
diameter of 1.62mm and length of diameter of 3.8 mm and length of
10 mm. 15mm.
Related Theory
Density
Mass of Fluid per unit volume of that fluid is
known as density.
Density = Mass/Volume = m/V
Units
Kg/m3 (SI System)
g/cm3 (CGS System)
Related Theory
 Viscosity
Viscosity is a property of a liquid and is defined
as the resistance of a liquid to flow. Viscosity is
measured in two terms;
1. Kinematic viscosity
2. Dynamic viscosity (Absolute viscosity)
Related Theory
 Kinematic Viscosity
It is the ratio between the absolute viscosity of
fluid to the density of that fluid.
Kinematic Viscosity = ν = µ/ρ
Units
m2/sec (SI System)
Stokes = cm2/sec (CGS System)
Redwood viscometer gives the kinematic viscosity
directly by using the equation;
Kinematic Viscosity = ν = [A * t – (B/t) ]
Related Theory
 Where;
A & B are Redwood constants
t is time in seconds (called Redwood seconds)
 Redwood Viscometer No.1 Constants
Units A B
stokes 0.0026 1.71
centistokes 0.26 171
Related Theory
 Dynamic Viscosity
It is the product of kinematic viscosity of fluid
and the density of that fluid.
Dynamic Viscosity = µ = ν . ρ
Units
N-sec/m2 = Pa-sec (SI System)
Poise = Dynes-sec/cm2 (CGS System)
 Procedure
1. Clean the cylindrical oil cup and ensure the orifice tube is free from dirt.
2. Close the orifice with ball valve.
3. Place the 50 ml flask below the opening of the Orifice.
4. Note the temperature by the thermometer.
5. At particular temperature lift the ball valve and collect the oil in the 50 ml
flask and note the time taken in seconds for the collecting 50 ml of oil.
6. A stop watch is used measure the time taken. This time is called Redwood
seconds.
7. By using equation; ν = [A * t – (B/t) ] find the Kinematic Viscosity.
8. Increase the temperature and repeat the procedure ‘6’ and note down the
Redwood seconds for different temperatures.
Redwood Viscometer
Observations & Calculations
Name of liquid = ______________
Atmospheric temperature = _______ oC
Volume of liquid = ____________ml = _____________ m3

Sr. Temp Time Wt. of Wt. of Weigh Densit Kinemati Dynamic

No. . (oC) (sec) empty flask + t of y of c viscosity
flask liquid liquid liquid viscosit (Pa-sec)
(gm) (gm) (gm) (kg/m3 y
) (m2/sec)
1
2
3
4
Comments
 The viscosity of all liquids tested was found to be dependent
on the temperature of the liquids. As the temperature of
the liquid rises, our experiment (redwood viscometer)
showed that viscosity of the liquids goes down. As the
temperature of the liquid goes down, the viscosity of the
liquids goes up.
 This is due to temperature rise of molecules of which causes
decrease in cohesive forces of the molecules.
 Accurate measurements of viscosity are essential in
engineering calculations and design of equipment that move
liquids, such as pumps, pipes and valves. My experiment
shows that effect of temperature on a liquid's viscosity
must be taken into account in the design calculations.