Determining the viscosity of a fluid

In summary, using the equation \tau=\mu\frac{du}{dy}, we can rearrange it to solve for \mu and substitute in the given values to find the viscosity of the fluid between the top and middle plates. To do this, we equate the shear stress on the bottom and top plates, and use the information given about the speeds and distances to solve for \mu.
  • #1
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Homework Statement


Two flat plates are oriented parallel above a fixed lower plate as shown below, The top plate,
located a distance b above the fixed plate, is pulled along with speed V. The other thin plate is
located a distance 0.3b (cb) above the fixed plate. This plate moves with speed V1, where V1 = 0.7V.
The viscosity of the fluid between the middle and the lower plates is μ0. Determine the viscosity (μ) of the fluid between the top and the middle plates.
2hq8hnl.jpg


Homework Equations


[itex]\tau[/itex]=[itex]\mu[/itex][itex]\frac{du}{dy}[/itex]

The Attempt at a Solution


Using the equation, I rearranged it to make [itex]\mu[/itex] the subject.
This gives [itex]\mu[/itex]=[itex]\tau[/itex][itex]\frac{dy}{du}[/itex]
I figured that they want to find the viscosity of the top fluid. So, using the information given, with dy being the height and du being the velocity, substituted it into the equation:
[itex]\mu[/itex]=[itex]\tau[/itex][itex]\frac{V-0.7V}{b-0.3b}[/itex]

Is this the final answer or is more working required? I'm wondering if you can figure out an expression for [itex]\tau[/itex]. Is it correct to say that as V1 is moving at a constant speed, the net force on the middle plate would then be 0. Therefore, the force on the top and bottom plate must be equal to allow for this constant speed. & Thus, the shear stress on the top and bottom plate is also equal. With F=[itex]\tau[/itex]A
I was then thinking that you could equate [itex]\tau[/itex]bottom and [itex]\tau[/itex]top, substitute it into the equation and solve for [itex]\mu[/itex] but it would cancel out through being divided. E.g. [itex]\mu[/itex][itex]\frac{0.7b}{0.3V}[/itex] = [itex]\mu[/itex][itex]\frac{0.3b}{0.7V}[/itex]

I'm rather confused, any help is appreciated. Thank you.
 
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  • #2
hints:

[tex]\tau(bottom)=\tau(top)[/tex]

for the bottom fluid:
[tex]\tau(bottom)=\mu_o\frac{V_1}{cb}[/tex]

for the top fluid:
[tex]\tau(top)=\mu\frac{V-V_1}{b-cb}[/tex]
 

Related to Determining the viscosity of a fluid

1. What is viscosity?

Viscosity is a measure of a fluid's resistance to flow. In other words, it is the measure of how thick or sticky a fluid is.

2. How is viscosity measured?

Viscosity can be measured using various methods, such as viscometers, rotational viscometers, or capillary viscometers. These instruments measure the time it takes for a fluid to flow through a specific size tube or the force needed to make a fluid flow at a certain rate.

3. What factors affect the viscosity of a fluid?

The viscosity of a fluid is affected by temperature, pressure, and the nature of the fluid itself. Generally, higher temperatures lead to lower viscosity, while higher pressures can increase viscosity. The type and size of molecules in a fluid also play a role in its viscosity.

4. Why is determining the viscosity of a fluid important?

Knowing the viscosity of a fluid is crucial in many fields, such as engineering, chemistry, and medicine. It helps in understanding how a fluid will behave in different situations, such as in pipelines, engines, or blood vessels. It also allows for the proper design and optimization of processes and equipment.

5. Can the viscosity of a fluid change?

Yes, the viscosity of a fluid can change depending on external factors, such as temperature and pressure, or internal factors, such as chemical reactions. For example, when a fluid is heated, its viscosity decreases, and it becomes easier to flow. Similarly, when a fluid is cooled, its viscosity increases, and it becomes thicker and more resistant to flow.

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