Room Number for the experiment A 103

TABLE OF CONTENTS
THEORY........................................................................................................................................................................1
COURSE: MECH 343- FLUID MECHANICS................................................................................................................1
AIM:...................................................................................................................................................................................1
DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING...................................................................................................1
QATAR UNIVERSITY.....................................................................................................................................................1
APPARATUS:....................................................................................................................................................................3
HYDROMETER................................................................................................................................................................5
PROCEDURE FOR SPECIFIC GRAVITY....................................................................................................................7
PROCEDURE FOR VISCOSITY MEASUREMENT....................................................................................................9
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION...................................................................................................................................11
References............................................................................................................................................................................15

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

COURSE: MECH 343- FLUID MECHANICS

EXPERIMENT: DENSITY AND VISCOSITY MEASUREMENT

AIM:

The aim of the experiment is to find the density and viscosity of the given liquids.

The density of any fluid is defined as the mass per unit volume and is denoted by 𝜌

THEORY
DENSITY
mass
ρ=
volume

since any volume is proportional to a linear dimension cubed.

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It should be noted that the density of a liquid remains sensibly constant because the volume occupied by a given mass of liquid
is almost invariable. But in the case of a gas, the density will vary as the volume occupied by a given mass of gas varies. From
this it may be deduced that a liquid may be taken as virtually incompressible while, of course, gases are compressible.

SPECIFIC GRAVITY OR RELATIVE DENSITY

The specific gravity or relative density of a fluid is defined as the mass of a given volume of a fluid divided by the mass of the

same volume of water and is denoted by s.g

mass of a given volume of fluid

𝑠. 𝑔 = mass of an equal volume of water

If V is the volume of a liquid and of the water, 𝜌𝑙 is

the density of the liquid and 𝜌𝑤𝑤 is the density of

the water

ρl
s . g=
ρw

VISCOSITY

The viscosity of a fluid is that property of the liquid which resists the action of a shear force. Since viscosity depends upon
the combined effect of molecular activity and cohesion, the viscosity of gases, in which the effect of cohesion is small,
increases as temperature rises. Whereas, with liquids, because the greater cohesion, particularly at low temperatures, has a
greater effect than the molecular activity, the viscosity decreases as temperature rises. To obtain a measure of viscosity it is
necessary to consider the viscous flow of a fluid and for this two basic assumptions must be made.

1. There can be no slip or motion relative to any solid boundary.

2. The shear stress is directly proportional to the rate of shear perpendicular to the motion.

Consider an element of fluid as shown in Figure 1

Figure 1
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Let the one face of the element move with a velocity From assumption 2 the shear stress
𝑢
𝑑𝑢
𝑟=𝜇 ........................... …………………(3)
and the other with a velocity 𝑢 + ∆𝑢
𝑑𝑦

Then the rate of shear perpendicular to the

𝑑𝑢
motion, or the transverse velocity gradient =
where 𝜇 is a coefficient of proportionality termed the
�
�
� coefficient of viscosity.
�

By arranging for the transverse velocity gradient to

be numerically equal to unity, Maxwell defined the coefficient of viscosity as follows:

If two plane surfaces are placed parallel to one another and at unit distance apart, the space between them
being completely filled with fluid, and if one of the plane surfaces is moved parallel to its surface at unit
velocity relative to the other, then the force per unit area acting on either plane surface, in the form of a
resistance to motion is numerically equal to the coefficient of viscosity of the fluid. From Eqn 3

dy
μ=r
du

The coefficient of viscosity is expressed as a unit of mass per unit of length and time,

e.g. 𝑔𝑚/𝑐𝑚. 𝑠 or 𝑘𝑔/𝑚. 𝑠 . An alternative measure of viscosity is the kinematic viscosity which is denoted
by

The kinematic viscosity is expressed as a linear dimension squared per unit of time. 𝑐𝑚2/𝑠 or 𝑚2/𝑠

NOTE:

𝜇 expressed in 𝑔𝑚/𝑐𝑚. 𝑠 is termed poise and 𝛾𝛾 expressed in 𝑐𝑚2/𝑠 is termed stroke**

**one p= 1
𝑘𝑔/𝑚. 𝑠, one st= 0.0001 𝑚2/𝑠
10

APPARATUS:

 Hydrometer
 Falling sphere viscometer cylinder containing the liquids, namely engine oil, glycerol and water
 Steel balls of varying sizes
 Stop Watch.
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 Room Number for the experiment A 103

HYDROMETER

Both density and

specific gravity
is obtained by
using the
hydrometer. The
principle of the
common
hydrometer
depends upon
the fact that
when a body
floats in a liquid
the gravitational
Figure 2 force on the
mass of the

volume of liquid displaced is equal to the

gravitational force on the mass of the body. That is, it
depends upon Archimedes' principle A simple

Figure 3 Principle of Hydrometer

hydrometer may be made, therefore, from a piece of glass tube closed at one end and inside of which is
placed a paper scale. A small amount of lead shot, sand or mercury should be placed in the bottom of the
tube as shown in Figure 3

First immerse the tube in water and mark on the paper scale the length immersed. Then repeat by immersing
the tube in another liquid, and again, mark the length immersed.

If 𝐿𝑤𝑤 = length immersed in water of density 𝜌𝑤𝑤 , and;

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𝐿𝑙= length immersed in liquid of density 𝜌𝑙

𝜌𝑙 = 𝑠𝑔. 𝜌𝑤𝑤

then the gravitational force on the mass of water displaced== 𝜌𝑤𝑤.𝑔. 𝐴. 𝐿𝑤𝑤

(where A = cross section area of glass tube,

The gravitational force on the mass of liquid displaced =𝜌𝑙. 𝑔. 𝐴. 𝐿𝑙 = 𝑠𝑔. 𝜌𝑤𝑤 𝑔. 𝐴. 𝐿𝑙

from Archimedes' principle the gravitational force on tube = gravitational force on the mass of water
displaced= gravitational force on the mass of liquid displaced.

∴ 𝜌𝑤𝑤. 𝑔. 𝐴. 𝐿𝑤𝑤 = 𝑠𝑔. 𝜌𝑤𝑤𝑔. 𝐴. 𝐿𝑙

𝐿𝑤𝑤
𝑠𝑔 =
𝐿𝑙

length immersed in water

𝑠𝑔 =
length immersed in liquid

If then, the depth of immersion in water is marked on the paper scale as 1.00 and for the liquid by
𝐿𝑙𝑙
using a number of different liquids a scale may be constructed to read specific gravities directly.
𝐿𝑙

The density/specific gravity (as printed on the scale) is read directly from scale.

FALLING SPHERE VISCOMETER

From Fig. 4 when the ball is moving with a uniform velocity u, the forces acting on the sphere are:

(a) the gravitational force on the ball mg.

(b) the buoyant force or up thrust Fb
(c) the viscous force resisting motion Fv

Since the velocity of fall is uniform, the algebraic sum of these forces must be
zero.

𝑚𝑔 − 𝐹𝑏 − 𝐹𝑣 = 0

whe
The gravitational force on the re
ball 𝜌𝑠
Figure 4
=
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density of ball r =
4
radius of sphere
𝑚𝑔 = 𝜌𝑠𝑔 3 𝜋𝑟3
4
The buoyant force
𝐹𝑏 = 𝜌𝑙𝑔 3 𝜋𝑟3

where 𝜌𝑙 = density of liquid.

The viscous force 𝐹𝑣 = 6𝜋𝜇𝑟𝑢 from Stokes Law, v

where𝜇= coefficient of viscosity and u = mean velocity of ball

PROCEDURE FOR SPECIFIC GRAVITY

2
( ρ −ρ
μ= r 2 g s l
9 u )
(a) Make sure one hydrometer jar has enough water in it to float the hydrometer, and confirm that the scale
marking for immersion depth is 1.00.
(b) Pour the liquids to be tested into two hydrometer jars until the hydrometer floats, and then note for each
liquid the scale reading that corresponds to the density/sg. Utilize the following relation to get the density if
sg is shown on the scale.

density of liquid ρl
s . g= =
density of water ρw

ρl =s . g × ρ w
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PROCEDURE FOR VISCOSITY MEASUREMENT

(a) (a) As indicated in, fill the three tubes with the test liquids to a level that is just below the capillary tube's
exit. Image 4. The liquids being tested are:
(i) An Engine Oil
(ii) Glycerol
(iii) Water
(b) Record the balls' diameters. Balls should be nominally l mm and 2 mm in size. Use two balls of various
sizes with each liquid, and test each ball three times. Table 2 should be filled out for testing involving a
specific ball size, followed by tests involving the bigger diameter.
(c) Drop one steel ball and time how long it takes it to fall a certain distance using a stopwatch. Avoid the
first part of the drop to give the balls time to attain their ultimate velocity.
(d) Determine the viscosity using the following equation using the specific gravity of each liquid as
determined by the universal hydrometer.

Barometric pressure =752mm Hg,

Temperature =25°C.

Measured diameter of balls in mm =1.5875mm and 2.38125mm,

Specific gravity of steel = 7.8

Mean velocity of ball u = 𝐷𝐷𝐷𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑟ℎ 𝑤𝑤ℎ𝐷𝐷𝑐ℎ 𝑏𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑓𝑓𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑠

average time

Then ∴ 𝜇 = 2 𝑟2𝑔 (𝜌𝑠−𝜌𝑙)

9
𝑢

𝜇
And kinematic viscosity 𝛾𝛾 =
𝜌

NOTE:

Units of parameters used r in meters, g in m/s2,  in kg/m3 and u in m/s

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EXPERIMENTAL DATA:

DENSITY EXPERIMENT

Barometric pressure: 752 mm of Hg,

temperature: 25 °c.

Table 1 Density measurement using hydrometer

Liquid Scale Reading Specific Gravity, sg Density 

.

Water 21 1.18 1176.46

Engine Oil 23.7 0.85 847.45

Glycerol 16.5 1.271 1267.2

VISCOSITY EXPERIMENT

Table 2 Viscosity measurement using steel balls

Ball Ball
Diameter: Diameter:

Distance Time Distance Time

Units mm s mm s

Fluid

100 0.8 100 2.04

200 1.9 200 6.37

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Engine
Oil 300 3.47 300 13.04

100 0.13 100 0.16

200 0.25 200 0.27

Glycerol 300 0.36 300 0.38

100 0.14 100 0.15

200 0.23 200 0.26

Water 300 0.38 300 0.4

μ for water=0.01314

μ for glycerol=0.0248

μ for engine oil=0.59

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

1. Density of all three liquids varies from the standard value, there can
be some following errors, like parallax error of reading scale
measurement, may be hydrometer is attached with the wall of jar (if
hydrometer not slipped correctly), temperature of room can be
lowered or higher than the standard value that can effect density.

Temperature:

Density is highly dependent on temperature. As the temperature of a liquid changes, its density can also
change. Most hydrometers are calibrated for a specific temperature, often 20°C (68°F) or 15°C (59°F),
and they may not provide accurate readings at other temperatures. When you measure the density of a
substance at a different temperature, you may observe variations from the standard value. You can
correct for this by using temperature correction tables or formulas.

Impurities:

Impurities in a liquid can affect its density. Water, for example, can contain dissolved salts, gases, or
other substances that alter its density. Glycerol and engine oil can also have impurities or contaminants
that affect their densities. These impurities can lead to variations from the standard values when using a
hydrometer.

Chemical Composition:
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Different batches or sources of a substance may have variations in their chemical composition. For
example, glycerol can be produced with varying levels of purity, and different formulations of engine
oil may contain different additives. These differences in composition can result in variations in density
when compared to a standard value.

Calibration:

The accuracy of a hydrometer depends on its calibration. If a hydrometer is not calibrated properly or
has become damaged or worn over time, it may provide inaccurate readings. Regular calibration and
maintenance are essential to ensure the reliability of hydrometer measurements.

Pressure:

While less significant than temperature, variations in pressure can also affect density measurements.
Changes in atmospheric pressure can lead to slight density variations in liquids. This effect is generally
small and often negligible in practical applications.

Hydrometer Design:

The design of the hydrometer itself can influence the accuracy of measurements. Different hydrometers
are designed for specific types of liquids and measurement ranges. Using a hydrometer designed for one
type of liquid to measure another may result in inaccuracies.

In summary, variations in the density of water, glycerol, and engine oil when measured with a
hydrometer can occur due to temperature, impurities, differences in chemical composition, calibration
issues, and, to a lesser extent, pressure. To obtain accurate density measurements, it's essential to
consider these factors and use the appropriate correction methods or ensure the hydrometer is properly
calibrated and suited for the specific substance being measured. Standard values of densities in SI unit
are given below (Valderrama, 2017):

water 1000

Engine oil 859

glycerol 1260

1. Viscosity of three liquids varies from standard value due to variation in measurement of time,
kinematic velocity is not achieved during fall, parallax error of measuring the exact distance.

Variations in the coefficient of viscosity (often denoted as viscosity) of fluids such as water,
glycerol, and engine oil when measured with a viscometer can occur due to several factors. These
variations are often related to factors such as temperature, impurities, and the specific type of
viscometer used. Here's an explanation of these factors:

Temperature:

Viscosity is highly dependent on temperature. Most fluids, including water, glycerol, and engine oil,
exhibit changes in viscosity as temperature changes. Typically, as temperature increases, the
viscosity of these fluids decreases. When measuring viscosity with a viscometer, it's crucial to
maintain a consistent and controlled temperature because variations from the standard value can
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occur if the temperature deviates significantly from the reference temperature for which the standard
viscosity value is defined.

Impurities:

Impurities or contaminants in the fluid can influence its viscosity. Even small amounts of foreign
substances, such as particles or other liquids, can alter the measured viscosity. It's essential to ensure
the purity of the fluid being tested to obtain accurate viscosity measurements.

Shear Rate:

Viscosity can be affected by the shear rate at which it is measured. In some cases, the viscosity of a
fluid may exhibit non-Newtonian behavior, meaning that its viscosity changes with the rate of shear
or stress applied to it. Different viscometers may operate at different shear rates, and this can lead to
variations in viscosity measurements. The standard value for viscosity is often specified at a specific
shear rate, so measurements at different shear rates may yield different results.

Type of Viscometer:

Different viscometer types, such as capillary viscometers, rotational viscometers, or falling ball
viscometers, measure viscosity in different ways and are designed for different viscosity ranges and
types of fluids. Using an inappropriate viscometer for a particular fluid or viscosity range can lead to
inaccurate measurements. Each type of viscometer may also have its own calibration and correction
factors that need to be considered.

Calibration and Instrument Quality:

The accuracy and reliability of viscosity measurements depend on the calibration and quality of the
viscometer apparatus. Calibrating the viscometer regularly using standard fluids of known viscosity
is essential to ensure accurate results. Additionally, the quality and condition of the viscometer's
components, such as the spindle or capillary tube, can impact the measurements.

Pressure and Ambient Conditions:

Changes in pressure and ambient conditions can affect viscosity measurements, although these
effects are usually small for most practical applications. Variations in pressure can lead to minor
changes in the density of the fluid, which can indirectly affect viscosity.

In summary, variations in the coefficient of viscosity of fluids like water, glycerol, and engine oil
when measured with a viscometer can occur due to factors such as temperature, impurities, shear
rate, the type of viscometer used, calibration, and ambient conditions. To obtain accurate viscosity
measurements, it's important to carefully control and account for these factors during the
measurement process and ensure that the viscometer is suitable for the specific fluid and conditions
of interest.

Standard values in SI unit are given below (Weber, 2018):

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water 0.0016

Engine oil 1.489

glycerol 0.219

1.

The diameter of the ball used in a falling ball viscometer can indeed have an effect on viscosity measurements. Falling ball
viscometers are devices that determine the viscosity of a fluid by measuring the time it takes for a ball of known diameter
and density to fall through the fluid. The key factor to understand is that the size and weight of the ball influence how it
interacts with the fluid and how quickly it falls. Here's an explanation of how the ball diameter affects viscosity
measurements:

Stoke's Law:

Falling ball viscometers operate based on Stoke's Law, which describes the relationship between the
velocity of a spherical object falling through a viscous fluid and the properties of the fluid, including
its viscosity. The formula for Stoke's Law is as follows:

v = (2/9) * (g * (ρ_ball - ρ_fluid) * r^2) / η

Where:

v is the velocity of the ball through the fluid.

g is the acceleration due to gravity.

ρ_ball is the density of the ball.

ρ_fluid is the density of the fluid.

r is the radius of the ball.

η is the dynamic viscosity of the fluid.

The radius of the ball (which is half of its diameter) is a crucial parameter in this equation. As the
diameter of the ball changes, the radius also changes, and this significantly affects the velocity of
the ball as it falls through the fluid.

Ball Size vs. Viscosity Range:

The choice of ball diameter should be appropriate for the range of viscosities you want to measure.
Larger balls with greater diameters are typically used for measuring lower-viscosity fluids, while
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smaller balls are used for higher-viscosity fluids. If you use a ball that is too large for a highly
viscous fluid, it may fall too quickly, making it challenging to accurately measure the time.
Conversely, if you use a small ball for a low-viscosity fluid, it may fall too slowly, resulting in
imprecise measurements.

Sensitivity to Viscosity Changes:

The size of the ball also affects the sensitivity of the viscometer to changes in viscosity. Smaller
balls tend to be more sensitive to changes in viscosity, making them suitable for measuring subtle
viscosity differences in low-viscosity fluids. Larger balls may be less sensitive to small viscosity
changes.

Precision and Accuracy:

The choice of ball size should be made based on the viscosity range and precision required for your
specific application. Selecting the appropriate ball size is essential for obtaining accurate and
reliable viscosity measurements.

In summary, the diameter of the ball used in a falling ball viscometer can have a significant effect
on viscosity measurements. It influences the sensitivity, range, and accuracy of the measurements,
and choosing the right ball size is crucial to obtaining meaningful viscosity data for a given fluid.

According to the equation if ball diameter is higher, viscosity will be higher and vice versa.

REFERENCES
Valderrama, J. O. (2017). Industrial & engineering chemistry research. Scholar, 1-10.

Weber, T. A. (2018). The Journal of chemical physics,. scholar, 50-100.

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