TECHNOLOGICAL INSTITUTE OF THE PHILIPINES

938 Aurora Blvd., Cubao, Quezon City

CE 023-CE31S5

FLUID MECHANICS

LABORATORY REPORT 2
FLUID VISCOSITY DETERMINATION

I swear on my honor that I did not use any appropriate aid, nor give such to others, in accomplishing
this coursework. I understand that cheating and/or plagiarism is a major offense, as stated in TIP
Memorandum No. P-04, s. 2017-2018, and I will be sanctioned appropriately once I have committed
such acts.
 Activity 2: Fluid Viscosity Determination

2.1. Student Outcomes (SOs) Addressed by the Activity

SO d, Design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze, and interpret data, and synthesize information to provide
valid conclusions for investigating complex problems.
SO i, Function effectively as an individual and as a member or leader in diverse teams and in multidisciplinary setting.

2.2. Activity’s Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs):

At the end of the activity the students shall be able to:
1. Discuss the concept of fluid viscosity.
2. Identify the settling time of spheres in a quiescent fluid.
3. Solve the viscosity of a fluid using Stokes’ law and the terminal velocity of a sphere in this fluid.

2.3. Objective/s of the Activity

The activity aims to determine the viscosity of fluid using Stokes’ law.

2.4. Principle of the Activity

Viscosity is a measure of a fluid's resistance to flow. It describes the internal friction of a moving fluid. A fluid with large viscosity
resists motion because its molecular makeup gives it a lot of internal friction. A fluid with low viscosity flows easily because its molecular
makeup results in very little friction when it is in motion.

Falling Ball Viscometers

The falling ball viscometer is based on Stokes’ Law, and is what we will use in this laboratory investigation. This type
of viscometer consists of a circular cylinder containing the fluid and a smooth ball.The ball is placed in the fluid and the time that it
takes to fall the length of the cylinder is recorded. This timeis then utilized to solve for the viscosity out of the velocity relationship that
we derived using Stokes’ Law and summation of forces. As the ball is dropped into the fluid it accelerates as a result of the
gravitational fielduntil the ball reaches terminal velocity. Terminal velocity occurs when the viscous and buoyancy forces equal the weight
of the ball. At this point the velocity of the ball is maximum, or terminal. To simplify our approach, we will allow the ball to reach
terminal velocity prior to making the time measurements. The forces acting on a sphere, for example, that are falling at terminal velocity
through the liquid are:

Weight – Buoyancy – Drag = 0

𝟒 𝝅𝑹𝟑𝝆 𝟒 𝟑 𝒈 − 𝟔𝝁𝝅𝑽𝑹 = 𝟎 eq. 2.1
𝒔𝒐𝒍𝒊𝒅𝒈 − 𝟑 𝝅𝑹 𝝆𝒇𝒍𝒖𝒊𝒅
𝟑

𝝆𝑽𝑫 ≤ 𝟏 eq. 2.2

Where D is the sphere diameter and V is the terminal velocity. Once the viscosity of the liquid is found, the above ratio should be
calculated to be certain that the mathematical model gives an accurate description of a sphere falling through the liquid.
2.5. Resources / Instruments Required:
• Graduated cylinder • Test Fluids (oil, water, diesel)
• Weighing Scale • Several Small Spheres with Weight and
• Stopwatch Diameter to be measured

2.6. Procedures: Equipment

Measurements

1. Weigh each sphere on an electronic scientific scale and record the mass of each sphere on a sheet of paper (in kilograms).
Measure each sphere for diameter then divide that by two to equal3 the radius. Record each radius value on the paper.
4𝜋𝑟
2. Calculate the volume of each sphere using the formula 𝐴 = , where "v" represents volume and
3
"r" represents the sphere's radius.
3. Determine the density of each sphere by dividing the mass found in Step 1 by the volume found in Step 2. Record the
density of each sphere.
4. Place an empty beaker on the scale and record its weight. Remove the beaker and fill it with 10 ml ofthe liquid. Subtract the
weight of the empty beaker from the weight of the full beaker and divide the answer by 10 to calculate the density of 1 ml
of that liquid.

Determine Viscosity

5. Prepare your workstation with a graduated cylinder, the spheres, liquids, paper, stopwatch and tape. Carefully pour liquid
into a graduated cylinder until it is nearly full. Leave about a half inch of space between the liquid and the top of the
cylinder.
6. Mark off a spot, using the tape, about 2 cm below the liquid's surface and another about half an inch from the bottom of
the cylinder. These marks will help determine the distance of the sphere's fall. Use either the top or the bottom of the tape
as a guide, but remain consistent. Measure the exact distance between the tape marks and record it.
7. Hold the sphere on the surface of the liquid. Simultaneously start the stopwatch and drop the sphere. Stop the watch
when the sphere reaches the second tape mark. Record the data. Repeatthe drop using the other spheres and record
their data. Repeat Steps 1 through 4 with the other liquid.
8. Calculate the velocity of the spheres by dividing the distance between the tape marks by the time it took for the sphere
to reach the second mark.
9. Calculate the viscosity of the fluid using eq. 2.1
 2.7. Laboratory Report:

Group No.: 1 Section:

Date Performed: NOVEMBER 16, 2022 Date Submitted:
Group Members:
1. AMADOR, RUSELLE JOHN 5. REBOREDO, MA. KATRINA THERESA
2. BELLO, JOHN ALEXANDER 6. REYES, MARC DANIEL
3. BUSTILLO, EMMANUEL 7. SILONGAN, ANDREA MAE
4. JUSTADO, ALDRIN

2.7.1. Data and Results:

Sphere Data
Materials Diameter (mm) Volume (m3) Weight (g) Density (g/m3)
Marble 0.35 2.2449X10-11 10.53 4.6906X1011
Metal sphere 13.5 1.2880X10-6 55.79 43315217.39

Viscosity Data
Liquids Density Trials Sphere Used Distance(cm) Time (s) Velocity(m/s) Viscosity(Pa – s)
WATER 0.0234 1 Marble 15.2 0.48 0.3167 0.0769
kg/m3 2 Metal 15.2 0.23 0.6609 1.3281
DIESEL 0.0175 1 Marble 15.2 0.95 0.1600 0.3248
kg/m3 2 Metal 15.2 0.32 0.4750 0.8417
DISHWASHING 0.0228 1 Marble 15.2 1.31 0.1160 0.6789
LIQUID kg/m3 2 Metal 15.2 0.73 0.2082 0.7132
2.7.2. Analysis/Computation/s:
 2.7.3. Source/s of Error

The group was not able to understand the directions, and this resulted in a delay in our actual

experiment. Moreover, the no. of strings used in the experiment was not enough, so we had to

untie it upon using the other marble in every sample. Also, upon removing the strings, it was also

hard to tie them again, due to the fact that the liquids used in the experiment is very slippery.

The group also noticed that the weight of the cylinder undergoes changes due to the excess

liquids left from the previous sample. Hence, this may affect the results to be inaccurate.

2.7.4. Technique/s and recommendations to minimize error/s

Several procedures are suggested in this type of experiment in order to precisely collect the

needed data and minimize errors. All participants must first be able to understand the experiment

and follow the instructions precisely in order to collect the required data. Second, in order to

witness the sphere move along the liquid and time it with a stopwatch, I think it is best to entirely

fill the graduated cylinder. The stopwatch and the sphere should be in sync, or to put it another

way, the stopwatch operator should be alert and prepared to respond when the sphere

descends.
 2.7.5. Conclusion/s

The viscosity of the liquid is determined by how long it takes the marble and metal sphere to

reach the bottom of the cylinder. According to the data, the characteristics and viscosity of each

liquid were recognized during the experiment. Align with that, it illustrates that an object with a

lighter weight will fall more quickly which signifies that it is a less viscous liquid, and the heavier

the weight of an object the less quickly it will fall, which makes the liquid more viscous. Through

this, viscosity is determined by an object’s weight, speed, and velocity as the viscosity of the

liquid predominantly affects the weight and speed of an object since viscosity is dependent on

time considering its velocity.

DOCUMENTATION

WEIGHT AND DIAMETER OF BIG AND SMALL

MARBLE

CONDUCTING OF THE
EXPERIMENT

WEIGHT AND VOLUME OF

FLUIDS
 TECHNOLOGICAL INSTITUTE OF THE PHILIPPINESRUBRIC
FOR CONDUCT OF EXPERIMENTS
(Engineering Programs)
Program: BSCE Course & Section: CE023-CE31S5 Semester & School Year: 1ST SEMESTER, 2022-2023
Activity No.: 2 Date Performed: NOVEMBER 16, 2022 Faculty: CE DEPARTMENT
Group No.: 1 Date Submitted: NOVEMBER 25, 2022
Group Members:

1. AMADOR, RUSELLE JOHN 4. JUSTADO, ALDRIN 6. SILONGAN, ANDREA MAE

2. BELLO, JOHN ALEXANDER 5. REBOREDO, MA. KATRINA THERESA
3. BUSTILLO, EMMANUEL 6. REYES, MARC DANIEL

Score
Need Improvement1 Fair Good3 Very Good4 Excellent5
Criteria Member Member Member Member Member
2 1 2 3 4 5
Members does not followgood Member follows good and safe laboratory
Member follows good and safe Member follows good and safe Member follows good and safe
and safe laboratorypractice in practice at all times in theconduct of activity
laboratory practice 30% of the time in laboratory practice 60% of the time in laboratory practice all thetimes in the
Conducting of Activity the conduct ofactivity and encourage others to do the same
the conduct of activity the conduct of activity conduct of activity

Members is unable to operate Member is able to operate equipment Member is able to operate equipment Member is able to operate
Member is able to operate equipmentand
Equipment and/or the equipment andinstruments and instrument withbeing supervised and instrument withbeing supervised equipment and instrument with
instrument with ease even if not supervised
Instrument Operationand and needs supervision all the thrice during the activity twice during the activity being supervised onesduring the
Material Handling time activity
The group presents relevant, complete, and
The group presents more than accurate data in an organized and coherent
The group presents relevantbut The group presents minimum
Data Collection The group presents mostly the minimum requireddata that manner with visual representations such as
partially and inaccurate data required data that are relevantand
irrelevant data are relevant and accurate tables,
accurate
graphs, etc.
The group uses appropriate tools and
The group uses appropriate tools
techniques and arrives at correct results; and
Data Analysis and The group attempts to analyze the The group uses appropriate tools and techniques and arrives at
The group makes attemptto validates results with theories. Consequently,
data but uses inappropriatetools and/or techniques and arrives at correct results; and validates results
Evaluation analyze the data relates results
and/techniques correct results. with theories
to other knowledge
The group presents clear and logical The group presents clear and logical The group presents clear and logical
The group presents no The group presents no interpretation
Interpretation and interpretation of resultsand arrives at interpretation of resultsand arrives at interpretation of results and arrives at correct
interpretation of resultsand of results and arrives at incorrect correct conclusion and partially
correct conclusion conclusion and partially relatesthese to all the
Conclusion conclusions conclusions relates these to the objectives
objectives
Total Score
Mean Score = (Total Score/5)
Percentage Score = (Total Score/%) x 100%
Other Comments/Observations:

Evaluated by:
Signature of Faculty Date