kinematic viscosity units fluid dynamics

Understanding Kinematic Viscosity Units in Fluid Dynamics

Kinematic viscosity is a fundamental concept in fluid dynamics that measures the resistance of a fluid to change its shape or movement. In this article, we will delve into the world of kinematic viscosity units and explore what they mean for fluid dynamics.

The centimetre-gram-second (CGS) system's unit of kinematic viscosity, known as the stoke (St), is named after British physicist Sir George Gabriel Stokes. One stoke equals one centimetre squared per second. This unit is used to measure the kinematic viscosity of a fluid, which is defined as the area divided by time.

In practical applications, kinematic viscosity plays a crucial role in determining the forces that must be overcome when fluids are employed in lubrication and transferred in pipes. For instance, when pouring ketchup from a bottle, it takes more time to flow due to its high kinematic viscosity, requiring an extra instantaneous force (by squeezing or squirting) to get the fluid moving.

The absolute viscosity of a fluid is divided by its mass density to obtain kinematic viscosity. In some cases, kinematic viscosity is more valuable than absolute or dynamic viscosity because it provides a better understanding of how fluids behave under various conditions.

Fluids that exhibit Newtonian behavior, named after Sir Isaac Newton, have a constant shear stress-to-rate-of-shear-strain ratio for a given fluid at a set temperature. This means that the rate of shear strain is precisely related to the tangential or shearing stress that generates flow in many fluids.

Kinematic viscosity has numerous applications in various industries such as spraying, injection molding, and surface coating. It regulates liquid flow by opposing velocity differences within a fluid since a section of a fluid that is compelled to move carries along nearby parts to some extent.

In conclusion, kinematic viscosity units are essential for understanding the behavior of fluids in different situations. By grasping these fundamental concepts, engineers and scientists can better design and optimize systems involving fluid dynamics.

Additional Information:

* The formula for kinematic viscosity is area divided by time.

* The dimensional formula of kinematic viscosity is meter squared per second (m²/s).

* Viscosity is a crucial component in determining the forces that must be overcome when fluids are employed in lubrication and transferred in pipes.

Kinematic viscosity units fluid dynamics