EXPERIMENT NO: 02

FLUID MECHANICS

Determination of Viscosity using the

Falling Ball Viscometer

NAME :- G.I.RANASINGHE
REG. NO :- COL/BSE/2020/F/31
COURSE :- HNDE-BSE
DATE OF INS :- 24/09/2021
DATE OF SUB :- 08/10/2021
DATE : 28/09/2021
TITLE : Determination of Viscosity using the Falling Ball Viscometer
OBJECTIVE : 1.Importance of checking the viscosity in various fluids
2.Study of various viscosity measuring methods available &
identifying the
applications in the engineering field.
3. Measure the viscosity of glycerin using a falling ball viscometer
4. Types of fluids and their properties used in engineering field.
THEORY
 Viscosity
Viscosity is a measure of a fluid’s resistance to flow. We can viscosity
categorized two types,
1. Dynamic viscosity (μ – meu)
The proportional coefficient of the Newtonian law of viscosity is called
as the dynamic viscosity or simply viscosity. Units are in Poise

τ ×dy
µ=
dv
Where,
τ = Shear stress 1 poise = 0.1 Nsm-2
µ = Dynamic viscosity 1 Nsm-2 = 10 poise
dv
= Velocity gradient
dy

2. Kinematic viscosity (ν-neu )

Kinematic viscosity is the ratio of dynamic viscosity in (Nsm -2) to density
of the liquid in (Kgm-3).Units are in stokes (St).

µ
ν=
ρ

Where,
ν = Kinematic viscosity 1st = 10-4 m2s-1
µ = Dynamic viscosity 1m2s-2 = 10000st
ρ = Density of liquid

 Reynold number
Newtonian flow can be classified as lamina flow and turbulent flow depending
on the characteristic number called as Reynold number.

Vl
Re = ν

Where,
Re – Reynold number
V – flow velocity
l – characteristic length
ν – kinematic viscosity

The Reynold numbers for different types of internal flow regimes define
whether the
flow is laminar or turbulent.

Flow type Reynold number range

Laminar flow Up to Re 2300
Transition flow 2300 < Re < 4000
Turbulent flow Re > 4000

 Laminar flow
The laminar flow (figure-01) is one in which path taken by the individual
particles don’t cross one another and move along well defined path,this is also
called stream line flow or viscous flow.(Re < 2000 )

Figure 1 - Laminar flow

In addition , let’s see object in laminar flow (figure-02)

Figure 2- Object in laminar flow

 Turbulent flow
 A turbulent flow (figure-03) is that in which fluid particles move in zigzag way.

Figure 3- Turbulent flow

In addition , let’s see object in turbulent flow (figure-04)

Figure 4- object in turbulent flow

Stokes’ Law
Stokes’ law, mathematical equation that describes the drag force resisting the fall of
small spherical particles through a fluid medium.
Stokes’ law states that the force of viscosity on a small sphere moving through a
viscous fluid is given by
F=6 πrηv

Where,
F - force.
r - radius of the spherical object.
η - dynamic viscosity.
v - flow velocity relative to the object.
Figure 5- Force balancing on a falling sphere

Applying equilibrium of forces to the ball, (figure 05)

Fg = Fd + Fb ( Fd = F )
Fd = Fg – Fb
Where,
Fg - gravitational force
Fb - buoyant force

Fd = F g – Fb
Fg - 𝜌𝑠𝑝ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑔𝑣𝑠𝑝ℎ ; Fb - ρ𝑓𝑙𝑢𝑖𝑑𝑔𝑣𝑓𝑙𝑢𝑖𝑑
4
6𝜋𝜂𝑟v = 3 πr3(𝜌𝑠𝑝ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 - ρ𝑓𝑙𝑢𝑖𝑑 )g
 2g
V = 9 η (ρsphere – ρfluid)r 2
2g
Which can be compared with y = Mx + C; where M (gradient) = 9 η (ρsphere – ρfluid)

Flow resistance
Flow resistance is frictional force (Ff) due to the viscosity of the medium as an object
moves through a medium. Flow resistance can be obtained by the following equation.

ρfluid 2
Ff = 2
V ACw

Ff value of above equation, where r=d/2

π 3 ρ❑shpere❑ 2
6
d g(ρshpere – ρfluid ) = V ACw
2

ρ❑shpere❑
V= [
√ ❑
ρ fluid❑
D
−1] ❑ g
Cw ❑

Cw – Coefficient of resistance of ball (≈0.4)

ρsphere – Density of the sphere
ρfluid – Density of fluid
D – Ball diameter
g – Acceleration due to gravity
A – area of sphere

APPARATUS AND DATA

  Falling ball viscometer with steel ball (figure 06)

1. Base plate
2. Handles for lifting
3. Rubber feet
4. Mounting palte
5. Scale in mm
6. Transparent measuring tube
7. Steel balls with different diameters
8. Magnet with cord

Figure 7- stop watch

Figure 6- Falling ball viscometer with steel ball

 A stopwatch ( figure 07 )
 Measuring tape ( figure 08)
 Micro meter – for measuring steel balls
(Figure 09)

Figure 9 -micro meter

Figure 8- measuring tape

PROCEDURE
In this experiment, the speed at which a sphere falls through a viscous fluid is
measured by recording the sphere position as a function of time. The following steps
were followed.
 Originally, glycerin was filled in to measuring tube (6).
 Point A is marked off on the transparent tube less than 500 mm from the top of
the scale, and point B was marked 200 mm lower than point A .
 The stop watch was set to zero and prepared to take readings.
 Smallest ball was dropped and stop watch was started when it is passing point
A.
 While The stop watch was stopped when the smallest ball passing point B.
 Note was made that time to pass 200 mm distance.
 The above same procedure was repeated for the smallest ball another two times
and the average time was taken for the smallest ball.
 Magnet was used to remove balls.
 The above mentioned method was repeated for the rest of the balls and hence
average time was taken for each falling of balls.

OBSERVATION
Fluid Name Determination of viscosity using the falling ball viscometer
𝝆sphere = 7930kg/m3
𝝆fluid = 1260kg/m3
Cw ≈ 0.4
Time/s
Diameter
(mm)
T1 T2 T3 T average

1.00 101.33 97.29 95.00 97.87

1.50 45.76 44.96 43.86 44.86

2.00 26.17 25.64 24.90 25.57

3.17 10.43 10.10 9.86 10.13

4.00 6.40 6.47 6.16 6.34

4.76 4.62 4.60 4.49 4.57

Name : G.I.RANASINGHE
REG NO :COL/BSE/2020/F/31
GROUP :01
DATE :28/09/2021
CALCULATION
Calculate the rate of fall v = s/t (mm/s) from experiment.
Applying for ball 1 (d= 1mm).
s
v=
t
200
¿
97.873
2.04mms-1

Calculate the dynamic viscosity (η).

Applying for ball 1 (d=1mm)
2 r2 1
η= g( ρsphere −ρ fluid )
9 v
(0.5 ×10¿ ¿−3) 1
¿2× 9.81¿(7930-1260)
9 2.04 ×10−3
=1.78Nsm-2

Calculate the kinematic viscosity (ν).

Applying for ball 1 (d=1mm)
η
ν=
ρ
1.78
¿
1260
=14.13×10-4m2s-1

Calculate the Reynold number.

Applying for ball 1 (d=1mm)
vd
ℜ=
ν
2.04 ×10−3 ×1 ×10−3
¿
14.13× 10−4
= 1.44×10-3

Calculate the terminal velocity (V).

Applying for ball 1 (d=1mm)

4 ρ sphere
v=
√[
3 ρfluid
−1
d
]
cw
g

4 7930 1× 10−3
¿
√[
3 1260
−1 ] 0.4
9.81 = 0.416ms-1
TABULATION AN GRAPH
XDiamet Drop Drop Rate of fall Dynamic Kinemati Reynold
er d time t Distance v= s/t viscosity c number
(mm) (s) (mm/s) Viscosity re
1.00 97.873 200 2.04 1.78 14.13 1.44×10-3
1.50 44.86 200 4.45 1.83 14.56 4.59×10-3
2.00 25.57 200 7.82 1.86 14.76 10.6×10-3
3.17 10.13 200 19.74 1.85 14.68 42.6×10-3
4.00 6.343 200 31.53 1.84 14.68 86×10-3
4.76 4.57 200 43.76 1.88 14.92 139×10-3

Table 01

Diameter Rate of Dynamic Kinematic Reynold Terminal Ball

D (mm) fall viscosity viscosity number velocity radius
V=s/t Re squared
(mm/s) (m2)
1.00 2.04 1.781 14.13 1.44󠅸10-3 0.416 2.5×10-7

1.50 4.45 1.837 14.57 4.59×10- 0.51 5.625×10-

3 7

2.00 7.82 1.859 14.57 10.6×10- 0.588 10×10-7

3

3.17 19.74 1.850 14.68 42.6×10- 0.74 25.12×10-

3 7

4.00 31.54 1.844 14.63 86×10-3 0.832 40×10-7

4.76 43.76 1.882 14.93 139×10-3 0.908 56.65×10-

7

Table 02
According to
Drop time vs Ball diameter table o1
120

100

80
DROP TIME

60

40

20

0
0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 4 4.5 5
Diameter
 According to
Terminal velocity Vs Radius squared table 02
1
0.9
0.8
0.7
TERMINAL VELOCITY

0.6
0.5 Y-Values
0.4
0.3
0.2
0.1
0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6
DIAMETER SQUARED

2g
V= ¿ρsphere – ρfluid)r2
9η

Y =mx
Y axis is rate of flow (V) and X axis is radius squared (r2)
2g
Gradient (m) = 9 η (ρsphere – ρfluid)

0.74−0.588 29.81
( 25.12−10 ) 10−7
= η 9 (7930 – 1260)

η = 0.145Nsm-2

DISCUSSION
 It is very important to finding a viscosity in a fluid
A fluid's viscosity is a measure of its resistance to deformation at a specific rate.
The internal frictional force that arises between adjacent layers of fluid that are
in relative motion can be quantified as viscosity. We can divide the viscosity in
two types,
1) Dynamic viscosity
The force required for a fluid to overcome its own internal molecular
friction and flow is known as dynamic viscosity. In other words, dynamic
viscosity is defined as the tangential force per unit area required to move
a fluid in one horizontal plane with respect to another with a unit velocity
while maintaining a unit distance between the fluid's molecules.
2) Kinematic viscosity
 The kinematic viscosity is the ratio between the dynamic viscosity and
the density of a fluid. Water at 200c has kinematic viscosity of about 1 st.

 Importance of viscosity
 In food factor
In the food sector, viscosity measurements are utilized to enhance
production efficiency and cost effectiveness. It has an impact on
how quickly a product flows through a pipe, how long it takes to
set or dry, and how quickly the fluid is dispensed into packaging.
The manufacturing process must be planned with the viscosity of
the product in mind, ensuring that pipes are oriented to optimize
flow and dispensers offer just enough force to induce flow without
overfilling the container.
 Oil viscosity
Viscosity affects heat generation in bearings, cylinders and gear
sets related to an oil's internal friction. It governs the sealing effect
of oils and the rate of oil consumption, as well as determines the
ease with which machines may be started or operated under
varying temperature conditions, particularly in cold climates
Figure 10 - cosmetic's  Cosmetic
product viscosity testing
In cosmetic products, such as face wash, toothpaste and various
creams use viscosity testing as one of the test (figure 10).
That is, a standard range is given for each product and it checks if
these products are within that range.

These can be taken as examples to illustrate the importance of viscosity.

 Type of fluids
These are the fluid types
1. Ideal fluids
A fluid having no viscosity is known as an ideal fluid, but in particle all
the fluids has come viscosity and this is the theoretical case only. Then
actually no ideal fluids in world
2. Real fluids
A fluid has viscosity is known as real fluids. Real fluids are all the fluids
that exist or are present in the environment.
Eg :- petrol (figure 11)
Air (figure 12)
 Water (figure 13)

Figure 11- petrol Figure 13- water Figure 12 - air

3. Newtonian fluids
Fluids wich obey the Newton’s law of viscosity are called Newtonian
fluids. Those are the fluid ,µ does not change with rate of shear strain.
Newton’s law of viscosity- The shear stress on a layer of a fluid is
directly proportional to the rate of shear strain
dv
τ =µ
dy
Eg for Newtonian fluids :- Alcohol (figure 14)
Glycerol (figure 15)
Thin motor oil (figure 16)

Figure 16- Motor oil

4. Non –Newtonian fluids

Fluids which does not obey the Newton’s law of viscosity are called
Newtonian fluids. Those are the fluid ,µ change with rate of shear strain.
FigureEg :- Blood
14- Isopropyl (figure 17)
Alcohol
Figure 15- Glycerol
Toothpaste (figure 18)
Soap solution (figure 19
 Figure 17 - Blood Figure 18- Toothpaste

5. Ideal plastic fluid

Fluid which having the value of shear stress more than the yield value
and shear stress is proportional to the rate of shear strain (velocity
gradient) is known as ideal plastic fluid.
Figure 19- Soap solution
 Definition sketch of fluid types

 Reasons for differences between calculated and graph η with table 2 values.
 The stop watch does not start when ball passes point A
 Errors in measuring the diameter of steel balls by a micrometer
 Errors in measurements obtained may be due to errors in the measuring
instruments

 The viscosity changes with the

temperature.
As the temperature rise and falls, the
velocity of the molecules increases and
decreases. For example, as the

Temperature vs Viscosity
 temperature increases, the speed of the molecules increases. Therefore, there is
an increases in molecular exchange.
For the above reason, The gas viscosity will increase with temperature. The
liquid viscosity will decreases with temperature.

 Types of viscometers
 Orifice viscometers
Orifice viscometers are commonly used in the oil business and consist of
a reservoir, an orifice, and a receiver. Because the measurement consists
of measuring the time it takes for a particular liquid to flow from the
orifice to the receiver, these viscometers report viscosity in units of efflux
time. The set-up of these instruments does not assure that the pressure on
the liquid remains constant, and energy is lost due to friction at the
orifice. Redwood, Engler, Saybolt, and Ford cup viscometers are the most
frequent types of these viscometers. In this diagram, a Saybolt viscometer

Figure 20- Saybolt viscometer

is shown.

 Capillary viscometers
When working with Newtonian fluids, the most commonly used
viscometers are capillary viscometers, which measure flow rate through a
thin, usually glass tube. Some capillary viscometers
require an external force to propel the liquid
through the capillary; in this instance, the viscosity
coefficient is calculated using the pressure
difference across the capillary's length.
The capillary, submerged in an isothermal bath, is
filled until the liquid lies at Mark 3. The liquid is
then drawn up through the opposite side of the Figure 21- capillary viscometer
tube. The time it takes for the liquid to travel from
Mark 2 to Mark 1 is used to compute the viscosity.
(figure 21)
 Falling ball viscometers
Falling ball viscometers (figure 22) are similar to
falling piston viscometers in that they work in the
same way. A ball is placed into a sample of the
fluid being measured in this type of viscometer.
 Because the ball's dimensions are already known, the viscosity is
calculated by measuring how long it takes the ball to fall through the fluid
by gravity. These types of viscometers are used in many cosmetics and
polymer industries.

 Falling piston viscometer Figure 22- Falling ball viscometer

A falling piston viscometer (Figure 23) consists of a measuring bushing

and a piston that can be placed
into the measuring bushing. A
first piece of the piston's
circumferential edge has been
changed to reduce friction. On
command from the controller, a
lifting mechanism elevates the
piston to an upper piston position
within the measuring bushing.
Fluid is drawn into the measuring
Figure 23- Falling piston viscometer
bushing when the piston is elevated.
These instruments are designed to calculate viscosity according to
Newton’s law of viscosity
 Rotational viscometers
Rotational viscometers (figure 24) analyze the torque required to rotate a
spindle submerged in a fluid at a constant speed to determine viscosity.
The spindle's continuous rotation ensures that
computations are performed over time, allowing
for time-dependent fluid analysis. Low, medium,
and high viscosity materials can all be evaluated
using digital models. The level of viscosity
application, speed, and spindle arrangement
should all be taken into account while designing
rotating viscometers. Each consideration setup
will aid in fine-tuning the measurement
sensitivity and accuracy for your individual
application. Size and dimensions of the unit are Figure 24- Rotational viscometers
further factors to consider. These type of
viscometers used in cosmetic and rubber industries.

 Vibrational viscometers
Vibrating viscometers (Figure 25) are tough
industrial equipment that are used to monitor
viscosity in a process. A vibrating rod is the
sensor's active component. The amplitude of the vibrations is determined
by the viscosity of the fluid in which the rod is submerged. These
viscosity meters can be used to measure clogging fluids and high-
viscosity fluids, especially those containing fibers. These type of
viscometers used in variety industries. Examples for that industries,
Oil and Gas
Figure 25 - Vibrational Viscometers
Chemicals
Cosmetics